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Local chief says historic day a long time coming
May 17th, 2010By Rob Swystun, The Daily Graphic
Source: The Daily Graphic
Taking part in the first ever grand entry into the Manitoba Legislature was a special experience for a local First Nation chief.
Chief Cornell Pashe of Dakota Tipi First Nation, along with over 30 other chiefs from Manitoba First Nations, participated in a sunrise ceremony, a pipe ceremony and a grand entry into the Manitoba Legislature Wednesday to mark the provincial government’s declaration that May 12 will now be known as Treaty Day in Manitoba.
“I never thought it would happen, but it did,” Pashe said of the grand entry.
Although the Dakota nations in Manitoba, including Dakota Tipi and Dakota Plain First Nation, were not part of the numbered treaties in the province, Pashe said, it was important to be there to support the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and to mark the importance of the occasion.
Although treaties are between First Nations and the federal government, he noted, the provincial governments do play a key role in their development.
“The provinces play a big part in finding land in the tail end of the treaty process,” he said.
Pashe also noted that it’s important for people to be able to learn about what treaties are and the role they play in the country.
