La Ronge Central Office held a Treaty Medallion Ceremony to honour and recognize the Treaty land they live on, work on, and benefit from.
Dignitaries from Lac La Ronge Indian Band, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Metis Nation Saskatchewan, and the Town of La Ronge, attended and spoke to the importance of Treaty Education in Northern Lights School Division schools on Treaty 5, 6, 8 & 10 territories.
NLSD staff understand that Treaties create both rights and responsibilities for everyone living in Canada – First Nations and non-First Nations alike. Treaties obligate everyone to respect First Nations’ sovereignty and self-determination.
Indigenous self-determination means that Indigenous people have the freedom to exercise their own political, economic, and social structures rooted in their cultures, traditions, histories, laws, and philosophies.
For NLSD employees, supporting self-determination means ensuring Indigenous students feel empowered, valued, and supported in exercising their rights. Through Treaty Education, students gain a deeper understanding of their history, identity and role within their communities. It is crucial that we help our students understand they are active participants and play important roles in their communities, on and off reserve.
Dr. Kathy Walker, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, emphasized the importance of this work, noting that, “western education was never supposed to come at the expense of our Indigenous education.” She highlighted the need for young people to learn the truth about Indigenous histories, cultures and Treaty relationships.
Walker also commended NLSD’s commitment to Treaty Education, stating, “Northern Lights School Division is aptly named when it comes to Treaty Education; you are a bright light in treaty education across Saskatchewan.”
By continuing to incorporate Treaty Education and Reconciliation into everyday learning and workplace practices, NLSD helps ensure students understand both their rights and responsibilities while building respect, understanding, and meaningful relationships.
Below is a video made by Central Office staff sharing how they incorporate Treaty Education and Reconciliation into their everyday work.