Creating a new map
Commemoration of HistoryCathy Currey didn’t plan to develop a new map of Saskatchewan.
It wasn’t her intention to be the sole resource for a detailed Treaty map of the province, but the information wasn’t available anywhere else.
It started with Cathy’s personal Reconciliation project, when the seamstress decided to create a textile panel. To do that she needed information about where Treaty areas are located in relation to modern-day communities across Saskatchewan.
It seemed that no one had exactly what she was looking for – she contacted numerous indigenous experts, universities, libraries, provincial governance groups and historians in Regina area. When it became clear that no document was readily available, she said she knew she could contribute useful information for all Saskatchewan residents.
After a five-month search, she eventually ended up contacting Incorporated Services Corporations (Saskatchewan’s Land Titles) where she commissioned the creation of a specific map.
“No one had ever put together a map of the province that at the same time shows governance systems within the province: by Treaty, by community, and by municipal boundaries, yet this is the most valuable and accurate reference tool for all of us,” Cathy said.
“All I am doing is getting facts for people. I just knew it needed to be done.”
Since the creation of that first map, she created a website to make the map available several formats, so that it can be displayed in many settings.
“I’ve had people tell me that this should be hanging in the front of every school and library in the province, and I agree,” she said.
Cathy’s decision to engage in Reconciliation and learn more about the Treaties to ensure they are being followed was an easy one, because “contracts are contracts and I expect them to be honoured,” she said.
At a minimum, the map allows all parties in conversation to have an accurate understanding of where we are all situated, so at least facts are acknowledged with accuracy, she said.
Cathy calls the map a good starting point for a conversation on Reconciliation.
“Ignorance is not going to benefit any of us,” she said.
“Our province continues to be riddled with many tragic incidents that are easily linked to ignorance and prejudice. We can all learn, and we can all do better for ourselves and our communities.”
Cathy said she wants people to have more information and be engaged in making a better place for everyone to live.