Primer on Treaties coming Saturday

James Wilson, the commissioner of Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (a "neutral body mandated to encourage discussion, facilitate public understanding, and enhance mutual respect between all peoples in Manitoba") has written a column in today's (March 28) Winnipeg Free Press (Page A14), in which he is alerting WFP readers to look for Saturday's (March 30) special edition called Our Past - Our Future.

Stephanie Woodhouse shows $5 bills she collected on behalf of herself and children at annual treaty payment at The Forks last June. (Source: Winnipeg Free Press)

Wilson writes:  "Over the section's many pages, you will experience stories shared by individuals and communities who have battled rampant racism and, together, made huge strides to overcome their racially charged histories.
You will learn a lot more about current issues such as urban reserves and the potential for the Kapyong land to be transformed into a thriving area for economic development, if that decision moves ahead. You will also hear about the successes in Saskatchewan, which is 20 years ahead of Manitoba when it comes to building these kinds of business partnerships.
We also invite you to learn more about Idle No More and the growing frustration that gave rise to this movement and to take a look back in time for a primer on the historical treaties, signed over the last 100 years, and how they are celebrated on Treaty Day each summer."

You can read Wilson's entire column here. 

- Submitted by Gareth N.