Premier Notley, Grand Chief Charles Weaselhead and Chiefs from Treaty 7 First Nations met to discuss working together to build a new relationship based on trust and respect.
Today, the Premier and Chiefs of Treaty 7 met to discuss how to work together on a number of priorities. The initial conversation included:
- Progress on the government’s work to implement the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
- economic development;
- education; and
- consultation.
I truly appreciated the open discussion, government-to-government. The Chiefs and I agreed that working on implementing the objectives of the UN Declaration is a priority. I am optimistic that this work will lead to a new spirit of reconciliation and respect between First Nations and all Alberta families and communities.
~ Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta
We welcome this historic opportunity to truly work with the Alberta government to move forward based on principles such as the UN Declaration. A relationship must be built on a foundation of trust recognition, respect and reconciliation to develop better relationships regarding meaningful dialogue and participation in the Alberta economy.
~ Charles Weaselhead, Grand Chief of Treaty 7
Today’s meeting was instrumental in helping our government understand and appreciate the issues and concerns of the Treaty 7 First Nations. Over the summer I visited several Treaty 7 communities to learn first-hand about their different traditions and priorities. These visits and today’s meeting will better enable me to ensure their priorities are represented with our government.
~ Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Aboriginal Relations
The gathering allowed for open and respectful dialogue where the Premier, Grand Chief, Minister Ganley and Treaty 7 Chiefs could listen and learn from each other and build their relationship.
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