Natural World Presentation at Red River Community College

Treaty 1 Territory – FNT2T Natural World Circle Keeper Ron Missyabit was invited to be a special guest speaker at Red River College’s School of Indigenous Education.

The presentation was for students in the two year diploma program called Social Innovation and Community Development. The program consists of mostly Indigenous students with some international students. The program uncovers the tremendous capacities of communities and individuals looking to initiate systems change.

The students have had several opportunities to hear what community is saying about Reconciling our Economic Futures through a guest speaker series in a class dedicated to the topic.

Previous notable speakers vary from the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation, the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, the Social Innovation sector of Manitoba which also included a request to Treaty 2.

Students learn from a variety of perspectives and formulate knowledge on the topic while realizing their own planning of positive-possible futures. This innovation is through participatory action research development and various forms of team work inspired by creative art, discussions, sharing circles and group projects.

Topics have included the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, studies of the Indian Act, the economic potential of Cannabis, Treaty perspectives of economic development, and the contemporary movement in Canada called Indigenomics.

The students were very attentive and had numerous questions and engaged in dialogue about land management, governance, resources, Indigenous Knowledge, culture, tradition, Treaty making, communities within the Treaty 2 area, working with government, wildlife and constitutional rights. The students were informed of the issues and opportunities that Treaty 2 has encountered  as it resurrects the Treaty relationship with the crown. Treaties are considered the foundation of the this country which has largely been ignored by successive governments.

It was refreshing to see Indigenous students in the classroom, which gives hope to the future of the Anishinaabe people. The students will end the term with a Capstone project aimed at working with community through a practicum and project management based consultation. Students of this program will graduate with the employment skills to be a Social Entrepreneur, Community Project Manager, Social Enterprise Manager, Community Coordinator/Facilitator, Community Program supervisor, and Social Innovation Activist/Advocate.

I hope to see some of the Indigenous graduates continue their advocacy of Indigenous inclusion and continue to push and fight for our rightful place in Canada.

For more information please contact Ron Missyabit at 204.638.3797 Ext 1008 and Ron.missyabit@fnt2t.com. If you require a presentation in your education facility or community please contact Communications Keeper Ray Mousseau at ray.mousseau@fnt2t.com or visit our website at www.treaty2.com. Miigwetch!