Treaty One Nation and Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Agreement strengthens First Nations People and the Arts

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Treaty No. 1 Territory, October 4, 2021:  The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) -Qaumajuq and the Treaty One Nation joined together on Friday in Qaumajuq to sign an agreement that commits both organizations to working together long-term on shared initiatives. Stephen Borys, WAG-Qaumajuq Director & CEO was joined by Treaty One Nation representative Chief Glenn Hudson, Peguis First Nation, to make the agreement official. The three-year MOU highlights collaborations, partnerships, and guidance to support First Nations Treaty One citizens and WAG-Qaumajuq members and patrons.

2021 marks the 150^th anniversary of the signing of Treaty No. 1 and with this agreement, WAG-Qaumajuq supported the celebrations with educational initiatives that led up to the August date. This included a speaker’s series with Knowledge Keepers, Chiefs and Promise Keepers celebrating Treaty One’s past, present and future. The two organizations will also collaborate to offer gallery tours in Anishinaabemowin on a regular basis and work to create further awareness of Anishinaabemowin language and Anishinaabe culture.

Both organizations are committing to the sharing of knowledge and collaboration on crucial education initiatives surrounding the Treaty One Nation’s history, current issues, and the ongoing intergenerational effects of the Indian Residential Schools, Day Schools and the Sixties Scoop, as well as systemic racism in Canada.

Details of the agreement:

• To promote the general welfare of the members of the Treaty One First Nations
• To advance the economic and social well-being of the citizens of Treaty One
• Following the TRC’s Calls to Action and UNDRIP: acknowledging the importance of sustaining and incorporating Indigenous languages into institutional frameworks
• Ensuring that Treaty One First Nations people in Winnipeg, or Treaty One First Nations people traveling to Winnipeg, have access to WAG-Qaumajuq and the art that it contains

Quotes:

“Today marks an important day for the Treaty One Nation and the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG). Building relationships with community organizations in Treaty One territory is a significant step towards reconciliation. Sharing of Anishinaabe history of the treaties, culture, and language is significant as we commemorate the Treaty One 150^th Anniversary of the signing of Treaty No. 1 at Lower Fort Garry. We look forward to continuing to build this meaningful partnership with the WAG and creating opportunities for more dialogue and collaboration with WAG members and patrons.”

— Chief Glenn Hudson, Peguis First Nation

This partnership with Treaty One Nation is part of a historic transformation happening at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. By formally building ties between the two organizations, this MOU will help to expand Indigenous outreach and programming in the inaugural year of Qaumajuq and beyond. The WAG is grateful to Treaty One Nation for their generosity in sharing knowledge with the Gallery that will help support the wellbeing of citizens of Treaty One and WAG-Qaumajuq members and patrons.”

— Stephen Borys, WAG-Qaumajuq Director & CEO

Associated Links

Treaty One Nation
Winnipeg Art Gallery
TRCM.ca

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Amy Rebecca Harrison
Engagement Supervisor
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1347
aharrison@wag.ca

Blair Strong
Communications Coordinator
Treaty One Nation
204.770.0273
bstrong@treaty1.ca

The Winnipeg Art Gallery (the WAG) is a cultural advocate using art to connect, inspire, and inform. Playing a dynamic role in the community, we are a place for learning, dialogue, and enjoyment through art. Opened in March 2021, Qaumajuq connects to the WAG on all levels, celebrating the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. The new WAG-Qaumajuq cultural campus is now one of the largest art museums in Canada. To learn more visit wag.ca.

Treaty One Nation is committed to the advancement and recognition of nation-to-nation Treaty obligations, consultation and accommodation in all matters including resource development. The Treaty One Nation is governed by the Chiefs of the seven member Nations and works in partnership with the Treaty One Development Corporation. Please visit our website and follow our social media changes to keep informed on our progress, and for updates on the T150 celebrations.

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