TREATY DAYS BITTERSWEET
Mixed emotions at annual event
There were mixed emotions Tuesday among those attending the 2018 Regina Urban Treaty Days.
For some, the two-day event is an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, have some fun and honour the treaties that were signed in the late 1800s.
For others, it’s a reminder about the ways in which they feel the treaties have not been honoured by the federal government since they were signed.
For Debbie Delorme of Cowessess First Nation, it’s a little bit of both.
“Today, it’s a good day,” said Delorme. “You just feel the atmosphere, people are celebrating.”
But she said there are “a lot of underlying issues” when it comes to reflecting on the treaties and the situation of Indigenous people in Canada today.
“We can’t hunt for a living. We can only hunt on reserves, and even that’s getting hard for some of our younger generation,” she said.
As the Indian registry administrator for her band, Delorme works with and reports to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), the federal department that was doling out the annual $5 annuity payments under a big white tent outside The Gathering Place on Monday and Tuesday.
“Five dollars was lots long ago in 1874,” she said with a laugh. “Five dollars can’t buy anything anymore.”
She said something like $50 would make more of a difference for Indigenous people struggling to survive.
That sentiment was echoed by others taking part in the activities hosted by Regina/Treaty Status Indian Services Inc.
“We should be getting more, but $5 is $5, I guess,” said Helena Lerat.
But like Delorme, Lerat said Treaty Days is an opportunity to visit with family from nearby reserves. As for the $5, she said she ends up giving it to her grandchildren.
“I don’t come every year, but when I come, I like to come visit,” she said.
Other than the collection of annuity payments, there was a jampacked schedule full of activities, all free of charge to participate in or attend.
Monday ’s full schedule included a jigging and powwow demonstration, a bannock-making competition, a neck-bone eating competition and a round dance.
Musical chairs, a watermeloneating contest, a karaoke competition and evening entertainment culminating in fireworks is scheduled for Tuesday.
Each morning started with a pipe ceremony and a free breakfast, sponsored by Silver Sage Housing Corporation, and a free barbecue was being offered on Tuesday afternoon. Both day’s events were open to all community members.
“I see a lot of relatives I haven’t seen for years and years,” said Dwayne Kline, also from Cowessess First Nation. “There’s lots to do around here.”
He said the event is an opportunity to build relationships and gain trust between Indigenous people and the federal government.
“The government’s giving back to us,” he said. “Everybody gets along. Everybody’s happy.”
Delorme said Treaty Days is important because it reminds everyone, Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, that the treaties were signed.
She said it’s also a reminder that, no matter what the government does or doesn’t do, Indigenous communities believe in keeping their word.
“Moving forward, we have to keep honouring our treaties and remembering who we are and why our ancestors signed the treaties in good faith and to share the land,” she said.