Flying Dust FN commemorates Treaty Day
In honour of treaties signed to protect Indigenous land 139 years ago, Flying Dust First Nation – which is part of Treaty 6 territory – is hosting three days of family-based events for the community this weekend.
Organizer Carolyn Lachance said it took a committee of volunteers and staff members from Flying Dust about a month of planning and preparation. The celebrations are to honour the treaties between Indigenous communities and the federal government, as well as promote public awareness about Indigenous culture, history and heritage.
“For us, it’s about keeping the understanding of what the treaty is all about alive,” she said. “It is to pass on the knowledge to our younger people, because people in general don’t really hear a lot about the treaties themselves and what they mean.”
This year is the first time this commemoration has been stretched over three days, and Lachance said it is a transition to help prepare 140th anniversary. She said it was important to plan various activities that would encompass the whole family. Things started off today at noon where over 450 people were served a community feast.