First Nations communities, members of the City and organizations in Lloydminster gathered at Lakeland College to show their commitment to the path of reconciliation.
The Heart of Treaty Six signing is a commitment to bring education and awareness about the past, culture and future of indigenous peoples. Frog Lake First Nation Councillor William Quinney was one of the people who signed the treaty and says that this is their way of showing others that they are wanting to work with the community to reconcile.
“We’re ready, we’re willing to come out, we’re willing to work, to go to school and to do great things, to be partners in every sense of the word that’s what reconciliation means to us.”
He adds that there is a need for young people to get out there more and represent the First Nations culture. Among the 18 people signing the Treaty there were three First Nations communities, as well as the Metis Nation of Alberta, Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre and Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
As part of the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan the Honourable W. Thomas Molloy was present as a representative of the Crown to officially recognize the signing of the Treaty. Molloy says that the relationship to indigenous peoples and the crown is a very fundamental part of treaty making.
“These kinds of events are important because it helps build relationships, it helps develop trust. It allows people to move forward and developing the relationship and bringing real reconciliation into a community and into a region.”
The official signing of the Treaty took place Wednesday.