We Are All Treaty People

Our Vision

The vision of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan is to promote respect and understanding of Treaties, and to support Treaty parties in maintaining and enhancing the Treaty relationship through dialogue, neutral support, assistance with resolving disputes, and commitment to the Treaty principles.

Our Mission

The mission of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan is unique with the Office playing a two-fold role: first, to support the bi-lateral Treaty Table process between the Government of Canada and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, and, second, to advocate for and build a strong relationship between First Nations and non First Nations people in Saskatchewan to ensure an effective response among Saskatchewan citizens to support a shared destiny.

Our Mandate and Goals

In accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations signed in 2008 (the “Memorandum”), the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan has a mandate to analyze Treaty-related issues, develop options, and report to and provide advice to the Government of Canada and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations to achieve practical results that reflect the Treaty relationship.  Its efforts are intended to:

  • Foster a strong and continuing treaty relationship (Memorandum, section 5.1.1 )
  • Assist in resolving outstanding issues between the Government of Canada and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations regarding the Treaty relationship and identify opportunities to enhance governance, achieve economic independence and improve the well-being of First Nation communities, (Memorandum, section 5.1.2 ) including in the priority areas of
    • Economic interest – land and resources; hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering; shelter
    • First Nation citizenship and its relationship to First Nations governance
    • Justice
    • Education and Child Welfare, and
    • Health
  • Overcome obstacles that may affect Treaty relations among all residents and interests in Saskatchewan (Memorandum, section 5.1.3)
  • Celebrate through public education and commemorative activities the Treaty relationship and enhance awareness and understanding that all residents of Saskatchewan are beneficiaries of the Treaty relationship (Memorandum, section 5.1.4).

Our Principles & Values

As outlined in the Memorandum (section 2.0), the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan is guided by the following principles:

  • Acknowledgement of the significant role of Elders as knowledge keepers and respect for and adherence to ceremonial and oral traditions;
  • Treaties are foundational to the relationship between Treaty First Nations in Saskatchewan and the Crown, creating and committing the parties to an enduring relationship based on solemn promises exchanged and respect acknowledged at the time of treaty-making;
  • Upholding the honour of the Crown in all of its dealings with First Nations, which includes the role of the Crown in Right of Canada as successor to the British Crown, and the honour of Treaty First Nations in upholding Treaty;
  • Issues are addressed through a non-confrontational process which is respectful of First Nation cultures, languages and traditions and supports resolution of the issues.

In undertaking its work, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner is committed to the values of:
• Neutrality
• Honesty
• Accuracy
• Integrity
• Respect
• Fairness
• Accountability
• Open Communication