FSIN wants treaty symbol erected in Sask. schools
Gesture would encourage awareness of First Nations history, chief says
It’s a “simple gesture” that could have a big impact.
Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is requesting the treaty symbol, which depicts a First Nations leader shaking hands with a British officer, be erected on provincial and public schools were First Nations students are in attendance.
Bobby Cameron, who leads the FSIN, said he would like to see the symbol erected at the entrance of the schools so students — Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike — alongside visitors to the facilities are encouraged to learn more about the importance of treaties in Canada.
“A treaty symbol right in the front, just as they’re walking in. It’ll instil some of that pride,” he said.
“It’ll intrigue some people — what is that about? What is that sign about, that handshake with that First Nations person and that government person? That’s what it’ll do. More education. More awareness. More orientation about that treaty relationship with the Crown.”
A statement from Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Education indicated divisions — spare the Canadian flag — determine what symbols to display in their schools. The statement noted that several schools in Saskatchewan already fly the treaty flag at their building, recognizing treaty land.
The Saskatchewan School Boards Association, which represents the province’s 28 school divisions, said they would be willing to discuss the possibility of erecting the symbol at its schools with the FSIN.
“We know that all students need to have a sense of belonging,” said Darren McKee, executive director with the SSBA. “We have a long history and relationship with Indigenous people and it stands to reason that we want to ensure that our schools reflect those relationships.”
He said while he hasn’t had a chance to speak with the FSIN about the gesture, education is important to both organizations, and the SSBA would be “very interested” in having further conversations on erecting the symbol moving forward.
“Any opportunity we have to expose people to an opportunity to learn more about who we are and where we come from and how this province and country was formed is a great opportunity,” he said. “If it’s a symbol, or a conversation or the opportunity to explore more deeper understandings, I think that’s a conversation we need to have.”
He said as locally-elected organizations, the SSBA and the FSIN share the goal of working in their communities to better education for all kids in the province.
A treaty symbol right in the front, just as they’re walking in. It’ll instil some of that pride.