Strengthening the Treaty Relationship

What is Treaty?

Treaties between First Nations Peoples and the British Crown are the building blocks in the creation of Canada and provide for peace and good order for all.

These treaties are agreements, entered into by both parties, which provide for peaceful relations between the two Nations. They are more than a simple written document; they are sacred covenants between the First Peoples and the British Crown with the Creator as witness.

Treaties were agreed upon through Ceremony, which can never be broken. They are “living,” permanent, foundational agreements based on the synthesis of two worldviews: the oral traditions (values and common laws) of the First Peoples and the written traditions (laws) of the Crown, who represented the newcomers.

Treaties are the agreements that have allowed us (Canadians) to live on these lands. Without Treaties, we would not be here today.

What are we doing?

The Spirit and Intent of Treaty Six is the foundation of the work the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator practices through the Town of Devon administration. The community-focused outreach and engagement is intended to encompass the intentions of Treaty and the collaboration between Nations, communities and people.

Through this lens, Devon continues to work tirelessly to understand and practice true reconciliation by working with Indigenous Peoples hand-in-hand. This includes:

• Creating spaces in our community for Indigenous voices. We never speak on behalf of Indigenous Peoples but support them within our community.
• Creating space for Ceremony and allowing this to guide us through the relationship-building process.
• Respectful dialogue when working with Nations. Allowing Elders and the Nations to guide us - they are the experts, and we shall work together on equal ground.
• Observing protocol when meeting with Indigenous leaders, Elders and community members. We strive to fully embrace the protocols and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples to help us better understand how we can work together in a good way.

Our Path Forward

• Sustained relationships through regular engagement with leadership, Nation members and Elders
• Continued collaboration with Treaty Six Nations, the MNA, and Indigenous organizations to provide experiential learning opportunities to the community and schools
• Continued collaboration with Devon schools to ensure students and staff are supported with connections and information
• Increased outreach to the community, ensuring residents feel supported and informed on Indigenous Engagement initiatives and their own learning path. Working with residents to identify needs/areas where cultural and educational supports can be increased and/or modified
• Continue learning as an administration, and striving towards a better understanding of the Spirit and Intent of Treaty while acting on our responsibilities as Treaty People

Understanding the Territories

Devon is within Treaty Six Territory as well as the territories of:

• Maskêkosihk - Enoch Cree Nation
• Neyaskweyahk - Erminsekin Cree Nation
• Nipisikopahk - Samson Cree Nation
• Akamihk - Montana First Nation
• Kisipatnahk - Louis Bull Tribe

*Exact territorial boundaries are difficult to establish. Historically, many Nations used the Devon area for travel, hunting, gathering and shelter/camps. Knowledge of territories is current as per information that has been shared.