TREATY RIGHT TO EDUCATION, RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS, AND RECONCILIATION

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Join us September 30th at the Agowiidiwinan Centre to honour Orange Shirt Day or Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Join Elders Florence and Philip Paynter and Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross as they discuss the Treaty right to education, residential schools, and truth and reconciliation.

Description of event

- Welcome and Introductions by Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross

- Understanding Residential Schools Through a Treaty Perspective - Elder Florence Paynter, Sandy Bay First Nation

Brief Description: Elder Florence Paynter, both a Survivor and an Educator, will provide an overview of the Residential School system from a “Treaty lens.” She will explore how First Nation people originally sought an education that would honor and preserve their way of life, as promised in the Treaties. Elder Paynter will also discuss how this promise was misconstrued by Canada, leading to the establishment of Residential Schools. Her perspective will shed light on the historical and contemporary significance of Treaties in understanding this painful chapter in Canadian history.

- A Journey of Resilience: Testimony of a Residential School Survivor - Elder Philip Paynter, Norway House Cree Nation

Brief Description: Elder Philip Paynter, both a Survivor and Educator, will share his personal experiences within the Residential School system. He will speak about the challenges he faced, his ongoing healing journey, and his resilience. Elder Paynter's story is not only a reflection of his own strength but also a call to understand and honor the experiences of all Survivors as we collectively move forward toward reconciliation and healing.

- Treaty Education: A Path to Reconciliation - Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross and Elder Florence Paynter

Brief Description: One of the core goals is to focus on meaningful reconciliation and strengthen the relationship between First Nation and non-First Nation peoples. The work of the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (TRCM) is dedicated to achieving this outcome by promoting understanding, respect, and collaboration. Treaty Commissioner Ross and Elder Paynter will share insights on the partnerships and positive outcomes that have emerged through Treaty Education. They will discuss how these efforts will enhance awareness of the Original Spirit and Intent of the Treaties to inspire and empower change.

- Question & Answer period facilitated by Treaty Commissioner Ross

- Closing Remarks and Smudge

Organizer

Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba

Creating more awareness of the Treaties is why the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba was created through a partnership between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Crown and Indigenous Relations (CIR). We strive to strengthen, rebuild, and enhance the Treaty Relationship between First Nations and Canadians through education, facilitation, and research.