The Grand Entry of the STC Fall Treaty Assembly features flags from member First Nations and other jurisdictions. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

FALL TREATY ASSEMBLY

Muskoday First Nation hosts STC Fall Assembly in P.A.

Oct 7, 2022 | 8:00 AM

It was called a day for the people, as several First Nations held a special gathering in Prince Albert.

Leaders and representatives from member nations of the Saskatoon Tribal Council came to the city for the Fall Treaty Assembly on Thursday.

A full day of events started with a Grand Entry of the nations and opening ceremonies, with a prayer led by Elder Lyle Bear.

Tribal Chief Mark Arcand and Muskoday First Nation Chief Ava Bear also gave their welcoming addresses.

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Muskoday was the host community for the Assembly but did not have enough space in its facilities to hold the dozens of representatives, so they decided to move it to the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre.

Some of those who spoke at the Assembly included Provincial Health Minister Paul Merriman and Deputy Mayor of the City of Saskatoon David Kirton, who addressed the United Nations on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

Another voice who spoke was Aly Bear, the Third Vice-Chief for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). She talked about the struggles she faces in her role.

“At the end of the day, our assembly is supporting her and some of the challenges she’s doing internally,” said Arcand. “We got to lift people up and make sure that whatever trials and tribulations that they’re going through as an organization that they’re supported, as long as we’re being accountable and transparent, which she is.”

The openness from Bear prompted emotional responses from those in attendance who said all First Nations need to stand up and honour the women and girls in their communities.

In wrapping up the Assembly, Arcand said the purpose of the meeting and sessions was to support the people in the Tribal Council.

“We’re honoured to always do this to report back to our assemblies, so our grassroots people know what’s going on on behalf of their nations.”

Chief Ava Bear of the host community, Muskoday First Nation, believed the assembly went well and was encouraged that people from her community took part in the festivities.

“It was proud for me because we had our drum group from our school, our students. We had our youth chief as one of our delegates. He carried one of the flags. I think that’s important to involve our youth in these things.”

Bear said one of the highlights of the day was recognizing former Chief Austin Bear for his many years of service to the Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation.

The Saskatoon Tribal Council will come together at Mistawasis Nêhiyawak for its Spring Assembly next year.

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Derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock