Humboldt Cultural Services Department hosted an online workshop addressing developing and delivering a land title acknowledgement at public events. Land title acknowledgements are an important component of the Calls to Action resulting from the Report on Truth and Reconciliation. Annie Battiste from the Speakers Bureau of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner lent her extensive knowledge to the process. The event was held on Wednesday, October 15 with virtual attendees able to connect directly with Annie to help establish their own tailored acknowledgements. The event was held courtesy of a Saskatchewan Lotteries grant and in conjunction with the City of Humboldt. 

In her presentation, Battiste outlined her own heritage as a Mi’kmaw woman from Nova Scotia who studied at the University of Saskatchewan. She introduced the process with the idea that any acknowledgement statement has to come from a foundation of understanding the nature of treaties. 

“What is a treaty really speaks to that relationship,” Battiste explained. “When you boil it down, it really is about two sovereign nations that do not have to listen to each other, but agree to a set of standards, practices, policies to live on that land together.”

She pointed out that treaties are standard practice in other parts of the world, and have been throughout history, used to maintain peace, order, and relationships of mutual benefit. In Saskatchewan, treaties between governments and Indigenous peoples were signed prior to the establishment of province boundaries, so Saskatchewan is subject to six different treaty areas within its confines. The acknowledgement needs to recognize that land and the Treaty number. 

Battiste says the acknowledgement should also recognize the Indigenous peoples governed by that treaty. While the delineations can be complicated, for the most part, Saskatchewan is home to the Cree peoples, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota peoples. The acknowledgement can also focus on languages.

The final element recognizes the speaker’s or the organization’s relationship and their actions in moving toward reconciliation. As those ideas evolve with further learning and understanding, the acknowledgement can be amended to reflect those intentions. 

“I think there is a responsibility for Treaty recognition for organizations,” Battiste affirms. “Whatever it is, it’s really based on what they are doing. So, ‘Annie Battiste Co. affirms our commitment to recognizing historical and ongoing harms; we affirm and commit to the honour and spirit of intent for Treaties; we confirm our commitment to reconciliation through the Calls to Action.’ Whatever your organization is actually doing in Reconciliation, this is where you would speak to it.”

The session wound up with participants able to reflect on their own personal or organizational statements and receive feedback from Battiste. 

The Cultural Services Department, along with partnering groups, continues its commitment to bringing Truth and Reconciliation programs to the area. For more information on future events, keep an eye on the Museum and Gallery postings on social media or contact the Museum.