Spirit of treaties takes shape in Manitoba

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/10/2023 (730 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s unlikely Manitoba’s first lieutenant-governor, Adams Archibald, imagined a First Nations person would ever become premier of the fledgling province he took leadership of in 1870.

The former Nova Scotia politician and Father of Confederation represented the Crown in negotiations with seven First Nations in Manitoba during the making of the first numbered treaty in Canada (Treaty 1).

Archibald spent most of the nine days during Treaty 1 talks during the summer of 1871 trying to convince First Nations leaders to abandon their traditional way of life, to take up farming and “adopt the habits of the whites.”

The queen’s representative could not have known it at the time, but Canada would later impose coercive assimilative policies on Indigenous people, in direct contravention of the terms of the numbered treaties.

Anishinaabe and Swampy Cree chiefs who negotiated Treaty 1 agreed to share the land and to live in peace and harmony with newcomers. It’s hard to imagine even they believed one of their people would one day become premier of Manitoba.

That day happened Wednesday. NDP Leader Wab Kinew, who is Anishinaabe, was sworn in as Manitoba’s first First Nations premier at the Leaf horticultural centre at Assiniboine Park.

In many ways, it’s exactly what the treaties were meant to achieve: for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to live together in a mutually respectful relationship.

It was a watershed moment for Canada.

Former senator Murray Sinclair, who presided over the signing of the oaths during the swearing-in ceremony, called it a “true act of reconciliation.” It was that and more.

Related Articles

Kinew becomes premier in historic Indigenous-influenced Manitoba cabinet swearing-in ceremony

Historic moment for Manitoba, great expectations for Manitobans

A list of Manitoba's new cabinet ministers

In pictures: Wab Kinew sworn in as Manitoba premier

Manitoba court system delays a priority for new justice minister

Diversity on display: meet Manitoba’s new cabinet ministers

The hard work begins for Kinew and co.

Treaties established a framework for people to live together in peace, to share the land equally and to honour each other’s culture, languages and way of living. It didn’t work out that way for most of the past 150 years, but that’s what was agreed to.

While neither Crown negotiators nor First Nations chiefs likely anticipated in the 1870s the extent to which those goals might one day be fulfilled, Kinew’s premiership takes the spirit of the treaties to the next logical level: for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to share decision-making equally at the highest levels of governments. In some ways, it represents the ultimate achievement in treaty relations.

That mutual respect was on full display during the cabinet swearing-in ceremony Wednesday, which included Indigenous prayers, dance and song — not unlike the Indigenous ceremonies that took place at Lower Fort Garry prior to Treaty 1 negotiations in 1871.

Also, for the first time in Manitoba history, two First Nations women — Nahanni Fontaine (families) and Bernadette Smith (housing, addictions and homelessness) — were appointed to cabinet.

The level of cultural respect and inclusivity was a stark contrast to the generations of genocidal and assimilative policies Indigenous people have been subjected to.

Kinew’s decision to appoint himself minister responsible for Indigenous reconciliation, a first for a Manitoba premier, was also significant. He called it a “structural change” in how the province intends to work with Indigenous people and their governments.

“The message that I am sending is simple, and it is to the leaders of Indigenous governments across Manitoba,” Kinew said during the ceremony. “Our government will recognize you for what you are, the leaders of governments — governments, just like the other orders of governments in Manitoba, Canada and across North America.”

As Indigenous reconciliation minister, Kinew said he is also committed to improving relations between people, not just levels of government.

“To you, the people of Manitoba, I am committed to take personal responsibility within our government to build better relationships across all of our communities in Manitoba,” said Kinew “We are one people and we all have the right to be treated equally.”

Kinew did not run for office to become Manitoba’s first First Nations premier. He ran to become premier, regardless of his background.

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

Jen Zoratti | Next

Wednesdays

What's next in arts, life and pop culture.

Sign up for Jen Zoratti | Next

Sign Up

I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

The fact he is Anishinaabe is an important part of reconciliation. It shows Manitobans are prepared to put their trust behind someone whose people have been subjected to generations of marginalization and derision. That’s progress.

However, Kinew will not be judged during his time in public office as an Indigenous premier.

He will be judged as a premier. He will be held accountable for his actions and policy decisions. That’s the true meaning of equality — the kind contemplated in the treaties.

It’s a glowing example of how Canada can build a more equitable, compassionate and respectful nation.

tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca

Tom Brodbeck
Columnist

Tom Brodbeck is an award-winning author and columnist with over 30 years experience in print media. He joined the Free Press in 2019. Born and raised in Montreal, Tom graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and commerce. Read more about Tom.

Tom provides commentary and analysis on political and related issues at the municipal, provincial and federal level. His columns are built on research and coverage of local events. The Free Press’s editing team reviews Tom’s columns before they are posted online or published in print – part of the Free Press’s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.