Urban Treaty Payments at the Forks

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Statement by Minister Duncan
on the Opening of Urban Treaty Payments at the Forks
National Historic Site

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

June 12, 2012

The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today:

"I am pleased to recognize the official opening of urban treaty payments at the Forks National Historic Site. Treaty payments reaffirm the treaty relationship between Canada and First Nation people and the treaties continue to form the foundation of our relationship.

The Treaty Day celebrations which surround these payments respect our shared past and directly affect about 136,800 First Nation people in Manitoba.

Urban treaty payments at the Forks - a traditional gathering area for Aboriginal people for the past 6,000 years - are not only convenient for First Nations members living in the city, but also raise awareness among all Canadians about the importance of treaties.

Between 1871 and 1910, seven numbered treaties were signed in Manitoba between First Nations and the Crown. Treaty payments are being delivered in many First Nation communities throughout Manitoba in honour of these commitments.

This year annuity payments are also being distributed in the City of Brandon on Wednesday, June 20th, from 10:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. at the Brandon Friendship Centre, located at 205 College Avenue, and on Thursday, June 21st, from 1:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. at New Era School, located at 527 Louise Avenue.

I would like to thank the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba and Parks Canada for their participation in this year's official opening of Urban Treaty Payments at the Forks."