Treaty 2 Territory – On June 16, 2021, the Government of First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory presented the completed draft of the Peacemaking Law to the Men’s Council. The Men’s Council, who hold the Peacemaking portfolio, reviewed the Peacemaking Framework and accompanying law. Upon discussion and answer period, the Men’s Council were satisfied the law can proceed to the next steps, including presenting it to the Grand Council in August.
The Peacemaking Keeper provided a presentation on the Peacemaking framework and went into detail each circle of Peacemaking. The details included the structure, roles and responsibilities, and case management model. The Bear Circle that is responsible for Peacekeeping, was presented as well. The Bear Circle, that is made up of the Sun Bear, Black Bear, White Bear, and Brown Bear, will be recognized as the Peacekeeping Detachments.
The Peacemaking Keeper presented the Peacemaking Onankonehkawin (Law) soon after the framework presentation. Due to the size of the law, the Peacemaking Onankonehkawin draft was presented in sections over the past few months. The Bear Circle was the last circle to be presented. The Peacemaking Onankonehkawin is very detailed and approximately 80 pages. The details are to ensure the law is understood and supported by the Nation members and other governments.
“The passing of the Peacemaking law at the Grand Council will make history, as First Nations in the Treaty 2 Territory assert their sovereignty and administer their own justice system.”- Peacemaking Keeper, Chantell Barker
Upon completing the presentations, the Men’s council held a question/answer period. The Peacemaking Keeper was able to provide answers to all the questions and addressed any concerns. Upon the q&a session, the Men’s Council were satisfied with the Peacemaking Framework and Onankonehkawin and passed the first draft of the law. The Peacemaking Framework can now proceed to the Knowledge, Women, Youth, Governing, and finally the Grand Council.
Submitted By: Chantell Barker, Peacemaking Circle Keeper
Last modified: June 22, 2021
