Treaty renewal ceremony first of its kind in 150 years, organizers say
An event held Sunday commemorating the signings of Treaties 1 and 2 could be the first of its kind.
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a ceremony like this has happened in 150 years,” Elaine Bishop, an organizer with We Are Treaty People Celebration.
We Are Treaty People Celebration came as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.
“It’s a responsibility of settlers to help newcomers understand we’re living on treaty land.”
Sunday’s ceremony included settlers walking into the Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest in St. John’s Park’s. Bishop said the walk symbolized the origins of Treaties 1 and 2.
“It recognizes Indigenous people were here first and they welcomed those who came in from the four directions,” she said.
The commemoration also implemented other aspects of the original Treaty negotiations from 1871 including a feast, as well as sacred pipe and water ceremonies.
Bishop said these types of renewal ceremonies should be held annually.
“Treaty is an ongoing relationship,” she said. “It just doesn’t go away because you don’t remember it.”
A virtual event took place on Sunday afternoon replicating the morning’s ceremony and continuing the celebration.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.