SUMA and Treaty Commissioner sign MOU to strengthen urban Treaty relations

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote Treaty rights and Truth and Reconciliation in urban communities.

The agreement was finalized this afternoon following a Pipe Ceremony, with Treaty Commissioner Dr. Kathy Walker and SUMA President Randy Goulden signing the MOU at the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatoon.

Photo (L-R): SUMA CEO Jean-Marc Nadeau, Treaty Commissioner Dr. Kathy Walker, SUMA Manager of Communications Roxanne Korpan, Elder Julie Pitzel, OTC Director of Public Policy and Development Darrelyne Bickel, SUMA President Randy Goulden, and OTC Treaty Relations Lead Charlie Clark.

The partnership aims to build relationships between First Nations and municipalities and provide urban municipalities with the knowledge and tools to collaborate on priorities including infrastructure, economic development, and community safety.

“SUMA is demonstrating great leadership in committing to strengthen Treaty relations among urban municipalities in Saskatchewan,” Walker said. “This partnership embodies living the Treaties through education, recognition of our shared history, collaborative problem-solving and respectful relations.”

Goulden added that municipalities and First Nations have long been neighbours, and the MOU will help advance shared priorities.

All urban municipalities in Saskatchewan are located within Treaty territories, making all residents Treaty people and stakeholders in strengthened relationships.