News

The Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker, travelled to the Athabasca region in northern Saskatchewan as part of a community engagement trip organized by Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie and the Prince Albert Grand Council. This trip represents the first in-person visit of the Treaty Commissioner to these Athabasca communities.

In Fond Du Lac and Black Lake Denesuline Nations, Commissioner Walker was honoured to meet with leadership and communities.

The Commissioner provided updates on the OTC roles and responsibilities and discussed how the office can better support the Athabasca First Nations in their Treaty claims and Treaty education.

“Meeting and talking with the leadership and citizens makes you more aware of the strengths of the Athabasca Dene nations, but also of the challenges they face.”

The Commissioner travelled with a group of directors from PAGC, the First Nations Health Ombudsperson Office, PADC, Northern Lights CDC, Athabasca Basin Developments and Associated Engineering and were welcomed with great warmth and hospitality that included a fish fry, tea, and great fishing.

The meetings took place over two days and as updates were provided, a number of Treaty issues specific to the north, were raised, which the OTC will be following up on.

On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan Dr. Kathy Walker, traveled to White Bear First Nation to mark the summer solstice through ceremony, connection, and honouring women.

Hosted by Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway and the Buffalo People Arts Institute, the day included a gathering and sharing circle and a Matriarch and Two-Spirit pipe ceremony.

“The summer solstice has been referred to as the Indigenous New Year,” said Commissioner Walker. “It marks a season of renewal. Being at White Bear surrounded by so many strong women exercising their ceremonial roles, was reinvigorating.”

The pipe ceremony brought together pipe carriers from across Saskatchewan, including Two Spirit carriers and Matriarchs from Red Pheasant, Peepeekisis, and White Bear. About 10 pipes were lifted in ceremony.

“Women have always held important roles in our nations. Ceremonies like this remind us of what was disrupted through colonization and what we are working to restore.”

The significance of place and history was part of the day. This year marks the 150th commemoration of Chief White Bear’s signing of Treaty 4 in 1875. As women gathered in ceremony, an additional community ceremony honouring Chief WhiteBear’s pipe was held. Chief Jonathan Pasap shared words with those gathered, joined by his three-year-old daughter.

June is National Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to recognize not only the historic contributions of Indigenous peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of present-day Indigenous communities and their promise for the future.

At the heart of the month is National Indigenous Peoples Day, held annually on June 21, a time to recognize, honour, and celebrate the heritage, culture, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

“Being on the land is healing,” said Bobby Cameron, Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), in an interview reflecting on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

He talked about coming from a long line of fishers, hunters, trappers, and gatherers and the importance of the land.

“It gives you the understanding that Mother Earth is still in charge of us all”

Watch the full video here: Chief Bobby Cameron Reflects on National Indigenous Peoples Day

While June offers a moment to celebrate, it also offers a challenge: Don’t let this awareness end with the month. The work continues.

“It’s a time to celebrate vibrant Indigenous cultures and contributions, but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to honour the Treaties,” said Dr. Kathy Walker, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan.

“Treaty rights are not just about history: the Treaties are living documents, a blueprint for living together and reconciliation.”

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) takes place on Sept. 30. Between now and then, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner invites all Canadians to set a personal goal toward reconciliation.

What can you do over the next 100 days to grow your understanding and commitment?

Read a book by an Indigenous author
Watch a documentary or listen to an Indigenous podcast
Attend a community event or cultural celebration
Support Indigenous businesses, artists, and storytellers
Learn about the Treaties that govern the land you live on
Reflect on how colonial systems have shaped today’s inequalities
Commit to conversations with your family, workplace, or school

Let National Indigenous History Month inspire you and Orange Shirt Day be your next milestone. Let every day between now and then be a step on the journey to truth, reconciliation, and honouring Treaty.

At the 25th anniversary conference of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) on June 19, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker, chaired a panel discussion titled Priorities and Lessons on the Crisis of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls.

The panel focused on the issue of MMIWGS+, with panelists focusing on how peace and security issues impact this issue- particularly policing and the criminal Justice system in Canada.

“Addressing gendered violence is essential to upholding the Spirit and Intent of Treaty,” said Commissioner Walker. “It is because of breaches of Treaty that Indigenous women and mothers have been targets of systemic violence.”

The discussion brought together voices with experience in media, law enforcement, research, and advocacy to address the crisis of gendered violence, community safety, and the systemic failures that have endangered Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people across Canada.

Panelists included:
Sheila North, former Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and a trailblazing journalist, widely recognized for sparking the use of the hashtag #MMIWG2S

Emma Kytwayhat, retired RCMP officer, ceremonial knowledge keeper, and member of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation

Karen Pelletier, retired RCMP officer who shared her frontline experiences as an Indigenous woman in policing

Kerry Benjoe, journalist with Eagle Feather News, speaking to the power of storytelling and lived experience

Sheldon Krasowski, historian and Director of Research at the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, who spoke alongside OTC practicum student Maria Hirsi.

On Mar. 31 the Office of the Treaty Commissioner hosted the premiere of Voices of Treaty 4, a documentary created as part of the 150-year commemoration of Treaty 4.

“Our office is so excited to share this important piece of our Treaty history and are so thankful to the citizens of Treaty 4 for their support and cooperation throughout this project. It would not have been possible without them,” said Dr. Kathy Walker, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan.

“When the project began last year, our goal was to support the preservation of our valuable oral history and narratives, which is a crucial step in our truth and reconciliation journey.”

The film features voices from Zagime Anishinabek, Piapot First Nation, Rolling River First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Kawacatoose First Nation, Okanese First Nation, Cote First Nation, and others. For nearly a year a team from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner travelled across the Treaty territory to gather interviews and footage at community events.

“Collecting oral history from Elders and knowledge-holders was not a typical interview process. It was based on deep, respectful relationships and local protocols,” said Benji Noon, the film’s director. “It was truly an honour to speak with all the people in the documentary. I learned so much.”

The documentary will become a resource for Treaty 4 First Nations, preserving and uplifting their voices and knowledge. Voices of Treaty 4 will also be shared with schools, community centres, and other interested institutions, serving as a tool for education and to further the dialogue on truth and reconciliation.

All Treaty people, Saskatchewan residents and Canadians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, Indigenous will be able to learn more about the shared history and better understand how we can all move forward towards truth and reconciliation. We invite everyone to watch the film.

Watch the film here

The creation of Voices of Treaty 4 was made possible with the support of Heritage Canada.

Today is National Indigenous Languages Day, an opportunity to honour the diverse languages of the lands that make up Canada. March 31 provides the time to reflect on the importance of language as a connection to Indigenous culture, tradition, identity, and land.

“While living the Treaties, we must honour the languages that were spoken during the time of Treaty making. As the Treaties promoted peace, cooperation, and mutual respect, preserving Indigenous languages ensures the spirit and intent of Treaties are upheld,” said Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker.

“Language allows people to communicate their stories, ways of life, and knowledge and allows it to be passed down through generations. It’s more than preserving words, it’s about protecting and strengthening our ties as nations and with the land.”

There are more than 70 Indigenous languages across Canada.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner celebrates the initiatives being carried out by many First Nations and language warriors as they work to revitalize and strengthen Indigenous languages. These efforts are key in maintaining traditional knowledge and ways of knowing.

As the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) continues, the OTC echoes the call to promote the use of Indigenous languages worldwide. The increasing normalization of Indigenous languages gives us hope that one day we can see all Indigenous languages thriving.

Today serves as a call to action for all of us to recognize the importance of these languages and contribute to their survival.

Resources on Indigenous Language

Montreal Lake Cree Nation Woodlands Cree language app

Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Learn Cree website & resources

File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Language Learning

ConnectR – Language

Canada Needs Thriving Indigenous Languages

Downie Wenjack Fund

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is saddened to learn that the previously unknown Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman (a name given by community members) has been identified as Ashlee Shingoose.

We send our prayers to Ashlee’s family, friends, and community during this difficult time and trust that this knowledge about their loved one will help them in their healing process.

The OTC is pleased to learn that Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has promised a search to find her remains and is echoing the family’s call for it to begin swiftly, so Ashlee can finally go home.

If you are in need of immediate support;
Hope for Wellness Help Line (24/7 days): 1-855-242-3310
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line: 1-844-413-6649
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-833-456-4566

Today, as we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner calls on everyone to stand with us against racial discrimination and injustice.

March 21 is a day to recommit to making change and to working towards the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. We can do this by living the Treaties, by investing in true reconciliation and relationship building, and having zero tolerance for any form of racism.

The day began in remembrance of the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire, killing 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid laws in 1960. Its significance is as important now as ever here in Saskatchewan.

It serves as a reminder of the work that still lies ahead to ensure everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, is treated with dignity, respect, and equality.

At the OTC, we are committed to the principles of mutual respect as foundational to the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The numbered Treaties represent the promise of respect, understanding, and cooperation. These promises must be upheld. We must confront the legacies of colonialism, racism, and exclusion by taking steps to ensure Indigenous voices are heard, rights are protected, and Treaties are implemented.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we can reaffirm our goal of building a society where all individuals are free to live without fear of prejudice or discrimination.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner offers our love and condolences to the family and friends of Morgan Harris. May the discovery of her remains provide her family with a sense of closure and allow their healing to continue. Morgan is finally going home and her family can say goodbye in peace.

Throughout this difficult time, the resilience and resolve of the families has been incredible as they fought to find their loved ones. Morgan’s family has demonstrated constant strength and unwavering determination in their search for justice.

We stand in solidarity with Morgan’s family and all families and communities who have lost loved ones through horrific acts of violence and who struggle to find justice.

Anyone affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people can access support through the 24-hour hotline at 1-844-413-6649.

This International Women’s Day we are Celebrating Our Matriarchs and recognizing the incredible women who sit on our Treaty Kihci-Anishinabe Atnedhe kihtehayah Council. We are so grateful for the time they share with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner team.

Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier
Chief Day Walker-Pelletier is a lifelong advocate of language preservation, traditions, and Treaty rights. She was Chief of Okanese First Nation from 1981 to 2020 and sat as part of the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission.
She is a member of the Order of Canada and in 2021 received a Saskatchewan Order of Merit. In June 2022 Canada Post unveiled a new stamp in her honour.

Gladys Wapass-Greyeyes
Language plays a foundational role in the transmission and preservation of culture and for more than 30 years Gladys has made this her commitment: teaching Cree (Nehiyaw) in First Nations schools including Thunderchild and Muskeg Lake.
As an Elder in Thunderchild and invited to many communities, she is a role model to many, mentoring the next generation to make a positive impact.

Senator Jenny Spyglass
Senator Spyglass made history in 2019 as the first woman appointed to the Battlefords Agency Tribal Council and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Senate.
This comes after work as the chief and long-time councillor of Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation. Her contributions were recognized with the naming of an arena in her honour in December 2024.

Senator Amanda Louison
Senator Louison has a long history of supporting women and advocating for Indigenous communities, sitting as part of the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission and a director with the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation.
She was a band councillor for 12 years for the Kahkewistahaw First Nation and served as Chief for a term.

Georgina Musqua
Along with being a member of the OTC Treaty Kihci-Anishinabe Atnedhe kihtehayah Council, Georgina speaks about Treaty, Indigenous worldview, and Indigenous ways of knowing as part of the OTC Speakers Bureau. By fluently speaking her Anishinabe language and practicing her culture in everyday life, the Kihci-Anishinabe from Keeseekoose First Nation sets an example for others.