Treaty Education: From a Relatively New Immigrants Perspective:
My thoughts and understanding of the notion “we are all Treaty people” is that as inhabitants of Treaty Six territory we are a part of a relationship, a binding agreement between the former British Crown (Canadian Government and Indigenous Nations signatories). This relationship was to be premised on the ideals of peace, friendship and sharing of the land.
I am also aware of the great work of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) in Saskatchewan. Furthermore, I am aware that Saskatchewan schools are now leading in the areas of curriculum development and teaching about the Treaty relationship. I believe that it is important that the school systems in Canada begin to unearth the histories of Canada which have been silenced, unheard, overlooked and in some instances, devalued.
I am of African descent, my family and I immigrated to Saskatoon when I was nine years old. Having this identity as a relatively new immigrant in Canada and living on Treaty Six territory, I am now reflecting on what that identity means, what my role is in Canada, in this treaty relationship. As a relatively new immigrant from Ghana, West Africa, and now a Canadian citizen, I recognize that I am also a settler on Indigenous land. I realize that by accepting Canadian citizenship and by virtue of living in Treaty Six territory, there are certain responsibilities that come along with accepting such citizenship hopefully, as a future educator, I hope to also become a part of those who honour the tenants of the Treaty.
