You would think that as an act of goodwill the province could set it up as a traditional land use area and turn it over to First Nations. skpoli Indigenous
But the Indian Affairs pass system restricted travel to the gathering areas, and gradually the land was sold off to the settlers. One area of traditional use was where the Mount Hope Community pasture sits today.
This area is located to the north of the lake, south of the town of Nokomis or “little grandmother” and was known as a place with many chokecherry bushes. The First Nations would travel there in the late summer. The sign was when the foxtails were in full bloom. At that time, the waterfowl would be moulting and unable to fly, so they would be easy pickings for harvest. Also, at this time the chokecherries would be ripe and ready to be picked to be included in the pemican that was made after the fall buffalo hunt.and our people are only allowed on after the cattle are removed in October or early November, depending on the weather. Of course by this time the birds are long gone and the chokecherry season is over.Article content Now the province wants to place a long-term lease on the pasture, and only minimal consultation has been done with the First Nations in the Touchwood area, who are the traditional users. Elders with the First Nations recall how they would come out with their families in late summer to camp and catch ducks and other waterfowl. They would also pick and dry the chokecherries to be used throughout the winter. This food from the land was healthy and nutritious, and a valuable part of their diet. In the 1960s the pasture was closed to “outsiders,” and people who camp and gather food were told to stay away. In the past they would gather the moulting ducks using sticks and dogs, but the white hunters used guns, making it unsafe to hunt traditionally.Article content Now the province wants to remove any First Nations claim to the area with a long-term lease of 15 years. At first it was a 33-year lease, but they have since backtracked. The province claims people were notified, but only one First Nation in the Touchwood agency replied. The pasture has very little economic value in a modern context. It’s over 13,000 acres and the annual taxes are $21,000, which is an indication of its value to the province. You would think that as an act of goodwill the province could set this pasture up as a traditional land use area and turn it over to the First Nations. It may not have value to white settlers, but to our people it is rich in history and tradition. Instead, they are following the Doctrine of Discovery and assuming that there were no previous inhabitants and only they matter.Article content Instead, we need to follow and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and recognize the traditional owners of the land. This action by the province is small-minded and spiteful, and it’s time to recognize the rich heritage that exists from before European contact.
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