The Office of the Treaty Commissioner was thrilled to work with the Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS) to support intercultural learnings and information about Treaty with the Treaty Learning Journey: Let’s Talk Truth.

Over seven, 90-minute sessions, SODS staff and alumni from the Leadership and Community Engagement (LACE) program walked through the true history of Canada, from Before Treaty, then what happened At Treaty, After Treaty, and Today.

We were pleased to hear their feedback on the topics, including Indigenous worldview and indigeneity, numbered Treaties, breaches of Treaty, and contemporary Treaty issues.

Participants shared that they learned more about Indigenous communities, and the training dispelled myths they had been taught.

“The course helped me to understand the historical background of the issues Indigenous communities have been going through. I now realize how much problems we have inherited from the history and we have the obligation to make things correct,” said one participant on their feedback form.

“I have learned more about Canada's history with Indigenous people and how it affects our country now. I think I've gained a greater understanding of the issues facing our Indigenous brothers and sisters,” another said about the training.

We were so happy to present certificates to 40 participants at a small graduation ceremony in June attended by OTC executive director, Angie Merasty, as well as the OTC programs team, speakers bureau member and trainer Delvin Kanêwiyakiho, and the CEO of SODS, Ali Abukar.

As we complete these trainings we are thrilled to see the engagement of participants who want to make positive changes in their communities. This is reconciliation in action.

In the words of one participant, “I think this [training] needs to become mandatory for all of our employees.”

We agree, and hope all organizations feel the same. If you are looking to further your knowledge on Treaty and Indigenous issues and organize a training for your organization or workplace, please contact Charmaine cgardiner@otc.ca