The Whitecap Dakota First Nation is not part of any of the treaty settlements in Saskatchewan, but today, the chief and Canada’s Crown-Indigenous relations minister signed an agreement to start the process for treaty negotiations.
The signing took place at the Dakota Dunes Golf and Country Club this morning. It’s being called historic and an important step forward on the road to reconciliation.
Indigenous Relations Minister, Carolyn Bennett, says the government is honoured to be signing this historic agreement.
“Together, we are charting a path forward that supports the vision of greater self-determination and a sustainable, self-reliant community,” she said.
Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear says the agreement commits the First Nation to collaborate with the federal government on the next step toward a Canada-Whitecap Dakota treaty.
“A treaty that fully reconciles our relationship with the Crown and government through honourable and practical arrangements,” he said.
These talks are exploratory and separate from the ongoing self-government negotiations.
(PHOTO: Indigenous Relations Minister, Carolyn Bennett and Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear. Photo courtesy of Manfred Joehnck.)