What We Are Doing Here

Alice Sockabasin
(Photo courtesy Donald Soctomah)

The relationship between the Peskotomuhkati Nation and the Crown – the root of British government in Canada – is nearly three centuries old. The Government of Canada is committed to restoring respectful nation-to-nation relations with Indigenous nations.

The commitment comes as that government is about to begin negotiations with the Peskotomuhkati Nation concerning its Treaty and Aboriginal rights, and to recognize the Peskotomuhkati people as an “Indian” community for the purposes of federal law.

The Government of New Brunswick has stated its intention to respect and implement the Treaty relationship.

The federal, provincial and Peskotomuhkati governments have agreed to implement the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

From the Peskotomuhkati perspective, the treaty relationship is bedrock. It is not only historic: it is constant and alive. It remains vitally relevant. It is recognized and affirmed in the Constitution of Canada.

The treaty relationship is the political and legal ecosystem in which any negotiations will take place, in which any future agreements will live, and in which reconciliation will be fostered.

Before we begin, we renew…