June 15, 2017
Premier Kicks off Reciprocal Bike Tour to Honour 200th Anniversary of the Selkirk Treaty
– – –Reconciliation Tour Celebrates History of Manitoba, Built on Partnerships, Mutual Respect Between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Manitobans: Premier
Premier Brian Pallister kicked off his reconciliation bike tour today at the Manitoba Legislative Building to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Selkirk Treaty and recognize the accomplishments of Chief Peguis and Lord Selkirk.
“This tour celebrates the history of our province, the centuries of partnerships between Indigenous Manitobans and those that arrived after them,” said Pallister. “Chief Peguis was pivotal in helping newcomers survive and build a prosperous life for themselves in Manitoba. The partnerships he created are the foundation on which our beautiful province was built on and will continue to thrive on.”
When the Selkirk settlers arrived in Manitoba from Scotland and Ireland between 1812 and 1815, Chief Peguis helped provide food and shelter. In 1817, Lord Selkirk signed a treaty with five Indigenous leaders to grant each land, which included land at St. Peter’s in East Selkirk to Chief Peguis’ band.
Earlier this year, Pallister invited students and residents from across Manitoba to write letters of support and acknowledgement for this initiative. The premier presented the book of letters to Peguis First Nation Chief Glenn Hudson, recognizing Chief Peguis’ significant contribution to the formation of the province.
“Acknowledging the injustice of the past is crucial in our commitment and ongoing effort toward reconciliation and strengthening the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, said Pallister. “I am honoured to have worked with many Indigenous leaders, community members and various levels of governments over the last two decades to improve the lives of Indigneous people and build a better Canada.”
The premier will cycle 160 kilometres between the original St. Peter’s Reserve in East Selkirk and the current location of the Peguis First Nation in the Interlake during the three-day bike trip.
Manitobans can follow the journey on a social media using the hashtag #PremierPeguisTour.
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