Skownan, Treaty 2 Territory – It been a long wait, however the perfect weather in Skownan made the opening of treaty days and the opening of their brand-new community hall a reality.
Skownan built a new hall that will accommodate its local membership for meetings, sessions, gatherings and many events to come through the years. The new facility was built for the future knowing the First Nation will grow and also to accommodate today’s needs.
Attached to the beautiful facility is a restaurant. Locally and privately operated the restaurant operates daily with great home cooked meals. When visiting Skownan make sure you step into the restaurant and order yourself a home cooked meal for a great price.
The celebration opened with a powerful and loud drum song by FNT2T Protocol Holder Mike West. He led the grand entry through the doors of the new facility with full proudness and honour. Leaders and guests entered in such as Chief Catcheway and his Council – Ken Catcheway, Jimmy Chartrand and Charlotte Nepinak and Elders and members along with guests Chief Barry McKay (Tootinaowaziibeeng), Chief Cornell Mclean (Lake Manitoba), Chief Garnet Woodhouse (Pinaymootang) and Councillor Preston Swan (Lake Manitoba).
Skownan membership were treated with an official T-shirt by the Skownan Treaty Days Committee. The proudness and smiles on the faces surely supported today’s opening. A feast was then served to honour today and bring warmth to such a celebration.
“Today we welcome all our members, visiting Chiefs and leaders, our local staff, the FNT2T staff, WRTC, CFS and Health Staff and all other visitors. This is a great day for us, and we are proud of officially opening our facility for our people to use”, said Chief Cameron Catcheway.
Chief Catcheway also pointed out the facility was built for the many generations and for the youth to use. Future events will bring the First Nation together and will provide them a strong future.
“On behalf of the First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory, I bring greetings and a message from Grand Chief Eastman that we are all proud of Skownan leadership and the people for such a beautiful and inspiring facility”, said FNiT2T Vice Chief Cornell McLean.
“I am here with a very special invite from your leaders, it’s an honour to be able to tell a few stories and present tobacco today during this great celebration”, said Chief Barry McKay.
Chief Garnet Woodhouse echoed the same and mentioned the facility will be appreciated by the members and by FNT2T as the government continues its collective focus. “Today is a special day for Skownan, be proud of such a facility”.
A presentation was made by Chief Mclean, Chief McKay, Chief Woodhouse and Councillor Swan after their speeches they presented a picture of Chief Catcheway with the FNT2T declaration statement, a map of the territory and a custom picture of ‘Engaging our Nations’.
Congratulations to Skownan First Nation!
Last modified: July 7, 2019
