Indigenous leaders participating in event in Cochrane

Both the provincial and federal Minister’s of Indigenous Affairs (David Zimmer and Carolyn Bennett respectively), will attend the conference along with notable leaders like: Perry Bellgarde, National Chief; Eric Tootootsis, National Treaties Spokesperson; Member of Parliament, Romeo Saganash; Alvin Fiddler, Nishnabe Aski Nation Grand Chief, and Jonathan Solomon, Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief. An invitation has also been sent to Prime Minister Trudeau.

The conference and festival are a unique blend of political and legal discussion around understanding the treaties that form the foundation of indigenous affairs, while opening the door to the cultural wonder of aboriginal celebration. The host community the Taykwa Tagamou Nation have a history of hosting such events and doing so with enthusiasm.

A showing of the National Film Board of Canada’s, “Trick or Treaties – a fight for justice” a film by Alanis Obomsawin, will also form part of the action packed agenda.

Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis, who has a background in aboriginal affairs, couldn’t be happier or more proud of the opportunity for this event to take place in his community. 

“A conference of this size and this importance is a tremendous opportunity for our community to continue to take its place as a regional hub. What a great opportunity for anyone to gain a better understanding of aboriginal treaties and the context by which they affect everyone. What a great opportunity for indigenous and non-indigenous leaders to gather and work on the evolution of indigenous affairs. But the greatest opportunity, is for northerners themselves to gather and celebrate friendship in the spirit of the Cree!  We want to wish everyone the best”

Mayor Politis goes on to thank Lawrence Martin and Apitisawin Economic Development, along with the Taykwa Tagamou Nation, for their efforts and hard work on bringing everything together and making this a reality.

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