153 years ago, Treaty One was signed at Lower Fort Garry in 1871. Representatives of Britain and the Chiefs of seven First Nations: Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Peguis First Nation, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, and Swan Lake First Nation signed an agreement that allowed settlers to live on this land and opened the way for the subsequent Numbered Treaties.

The Treaties are still active today but throughout Canada’s history, the Treaties have not been wholly honoured by the state or understood by settlers. The result is, and has been, immeasurable harm against Indigenous Peoples—in the forms of Residential Schools, institutional discrimination, interpersonal violence, intergenerational trauma, and more.

In 2023, RRC Polytech raised the Treaty One flag, along with the Red River Metis flag and the RRC Polytech original Inclusive Pride flag, in recognition of the land we live on and the people that have been here since time immemorial.

Vic Savino, Director of Communications at Treaty One Nations, shared his story on the Alumni Blog last year, detailing his journey in connecting with his culture and engaging with Truth and Reconciliation.

Learn more about the Treaties:

• 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Education (RRC Polytech Staff training)
• Learn more with The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba
• Learn about the communities in Treaty 1