We Are All Treaty People

OTC helps welcome new Canadians

  • Published - 09/02/2016
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  • Posted By - OTC
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Two representatives from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner attended Monday’s citizenship ceremony in Saskatoon.

Brenda Ahenakew, director of educational programs, and Rhett Sangster, director of reconciliation and community partnerships, joined the event hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, Saskatoon Police Services and the City of Saskatoon, at the new Saskatoon police headquarters.

The formal ceremony saw 50 newcomers swear the oath and sing the national anthem.

Sangster spoke at the event, welcoming the new citizens to Treaty 6 and the Metis homeland. He spoke about Canada being born out of Treaties, which were about bringing people of different cultures together for mutual benefit.

“I asked them to be part of reconciliation and the Treaty relationship as new Canadians,” Sangster said.

Along with this, the OTC representatives participated in roundtable discussions with new Canadians, talking about their thoughts on the statement “I feel Canadian when…” 

It was a time to see how relationships have already formed. A new Canadian from China who has a small business in the Northern Saskatchewan community of Sandy Bay, spoke warmly about the relationships he has made with First Nations people in that community. Another recent citizen, originally from Cote d’Ivoire spoke about living in Prince Albert and learning from friends how to make bannock.

It was great to be a part of the event and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner congratulates those new Canadians on their citizenship. We also thank the City of Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Police Services and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship for their work to build bridges in our communities.

Saskatoon Police Service chief Clive Weighill and Rhett Sangster welcome new Canadians.