The Gordon Foundation is looking forward to four Treaty Simulations in the coming months, in partnership with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council (MNOYC); Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS); the Lands Claims Agreements Coalition (LCAC); and The Tłı̨chǫ Government.
Self-Government Simulation for Métis Youth
A Self-Government Simulation for Métis Youth will take place in Toronto, Ontario, on January 20-22, hosted with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council (MNOYC). The MNO, established in 1993, represents Métis people and communities in Ontario that are part of the Métis Nation. The MNOYC is a group of youth representatives from across Ontario who advocate on behalf of the concerns of Métis youth.
This is the second Treaty Simulation run in partnership with the MNO and MNOYC, following the success of the Finding Unity Through Negotiation Self-Government Simulation in February 2021. Participants will learn from experienced advisors about the current self-government efforts of the MNO and MNOYC. Expert advisors at the Treaty Simulation include Senator Steven Callaghan, Hank Rowlinson, Paul Robitaille, Mitch Case, and President of the Métis National Council, Cassidy Caron.
Métis leaders in Ontario will talk about the MNO and Métis government, allowing participants to build skills and network with other emerging leaders. After the learning exercises, participants will have the opportunity to write their own resolutions in the same style the MNO uses in their meetings and then bring these resolutions forward in a mock-assembly as part of self-government in action.
Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) Treaty Simulation
On February 23-24, The Gordon Foundation and the Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) will host a Treaty Simulation in Ottawa, Ontario. The NS is dedicated to providing Inuit youth with post-secondary education through both academic and cultural learning experiences. Students in the program develop knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes that set them up for success as young adults. At the NS Treaty Simulation, participants will build their knowledge on the Nunavut Agreement that gave the Inuit of Nunavut true self-governance and a separate territory, which was a first in Canada. The Treaty Simulation will focus on the important topic of Inuit-led education and introduce participants to treaty negotiation practices, issues, and career paths, and ensure knowledge transfer from experiences advisors to emerging leaders.
Fifth National Treaty Simulation
On February 26-27 in Ottawa, Ontario, The Gordon Foundation and the Land Claims Agreements Coalition (LCAC) will host the Fifth National Treaty Simulation, ahead of the 20th Anniversary LCAC National Conference.
The LCAC, formed in 2003, works to ensure that Modern Treaties and associated Self-Government Agreements are respected, honored, and fully implemented. At the Treaty Simulation, participants will learn from advisors and take part in a fictional implementation scenario focused on wildlife co-management. Advisors at this Treaty Simulation include Frank Dragon, Dave Joe, John B. Zoe, Robin Bradasch, Adam Chamberlain, Lisa Hutton, Tamara Fast, and Stephen Van Dine. Participants will divide into teams representing an Indigenous Government/Organization, a territorial government, and the Government of Canada. The teams will then write and present proposals and meet at the negotiating table until a consensus is reached on a final agreement.
Tłı̨chǫ Agreement Simulation
The Tłı̨chǫ Government invited The Gordon Foundation to run a Treaty Simulation on April 18- 20, in Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories, in partnership with Northern Youth Abroad. The Tłı̨chǫ Agreement, a Modern Treaty, was ratified in 2005 after being negotiated by the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), and the Government of Canada. The Agreement was the first combined Comprehensive Land Claim and Self-Government Agreement in the Northwest Territories, defining rights related to lands, resources, and self-government.
During the Treaty Simulation, participants will learn about the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement, learn treaty negotiation practices, build skills in leadership, and build a network amongst Tłı̨chǫ emerging leaders and advisors. In doing so, advisors can ensure knowledge transfer to emerging leaders and future generations. An advisor at this Treaty Simulation is John B. Zoe, with more advisors to be announced soon.
Check out https://understandingtreaties.ca/ to learn more about the treaty simulation model and to start your treaty learning journey.
Photo: the Nunavik Treaty Simulation organized by Qarjuit Youth Council and the Gordon Foundation in October 2022. Credit: Tumiit Media.
