Agreement with Treaty 6 Nations sought by Kahnawake

Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) grand chief Cody Diabo travelled to the Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta this week, part of an effort to forge closer relations with Treaty 6 First Nations.

The MCK has made it a priority to build formal partnerships with First Nations around the country, in part because of a changing political climate internationally and domestically.

“As I’ve stated before, it’s time we start working together,” Diabo said.

Separatism movements in both Alberta and Quebec have gained momentum of late, while Canada has responded to the economic uncertainty unleashed by US president Donald Trump by looking to expedite major projects, which has raised concerns about steamrolling consultations.

The voyage to Treaty 6 territory builds on meetings at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly in July, with an eye toward a cooperation agreement that would include the Iroquois Caucus.

Diabo will be attending events held by the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, whose goal is to ensure the “terms, spirt, and intent” of Treaty 6 are honoured, including the inherent right to self-determination.

Treaty 6 is an agreement between the crown and 50 First Nations that dates back to August 23, 1876, and covers more than 300,000 square kilometres, spanning large swaths of Alberta and Saskatchewan and into Manitoba.

As part of the short trip, Diabo was slated to participate in the grand entry of the powwow commemorating the treaty’s 150th anniversary.

“To be in person, I think it shows the commitment to the relationship as opposed to just sending a delegate or sending regards that you can’t make it,” Diabo said.

“It builds up the relationship and the rapport that I have with many First Nation leaders right now, and that’s something that I’ve committed to in my role, and that’s the alliances and the connections that we need to make right now.”

Earlier this year, the MCK signed a collaboration agreement with the Abenaki Councils of Odanak and Wôlinak, billed as a historic opportunity to create economic opportunities and strengthen opposition to governmental interference.

marcus@easterndoor.com

Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter