See how emerging Indigenous leaders from British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Saskatchewan experienced what it is like to negotiate and implement a treaty in these video highlights from the third national Treaty Simulation.

Over five days, participants took turns representing the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and a fictitious Indigenous Nation as they first negotiated a vision for education, before agreeing on a plan to implement it.

Throughout the Treaty Simulation – organized by The Gordon Foundation, the Land Claims Agreements Coalition, and the BC Treaty Commission – expert advisors Frank Dragon (Negotiator, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Financial Fiscal Agreement, Maa-nulth Final Agreement, British Columbia), Robin Bradasch (Associate Vice President, Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships, Yukon University) and John B. Zoe (Negotiator, Tłįchǫ Agreement) offered guidance and support.

“I thought it would be really interesting and vital for not just me, but others to be there and be educated and have practice in treaty situations” Treaty Simulation participant Rayna Vittrekwa.

 

Rayna told CBC North what she gained from taking part in the simulation, alongside expert advisor John B. Zoe. Read the full piece here and listen to Breanna Smith explaining to Leonard Linklater of CBC Yukon show Midday Cafe why she was taking part in the simulation and what she learned. 

Find out more about treaty simulations, including how to get involved, at understandingtreaties.ca.