WINNIPEG, MB – Chief Darcy Bear of theWhitecap Dakota First Nation will deliver a keynote address on Dakota – Crown: A Legacy of Alliance at The University of Winnipeg. The address will take place on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm in Convocation Hall (515 Portage Avenue, second floor of Wesley Hall). The event is hosted by The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba and UWinnipeg, andwill be followed by a panel discussion in the evening.
A panel presentation, How Would You Like To Be Called A Refugee In Your Own Country?will take place from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, also in Convocation Hall. In addition to Chief Bear, panelists will includeKatherine White Cloud, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs; Elder Doris Pratt, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation; and Treaty Commissioner James B. Wilson, Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba. The discussion will be moderated by Councillor Ovide Mercredi, Misipawistik First Nation and Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. The panel will address issues such as treaty relations between the Dakota, Crown and other First Nations; territorial and resource rights; the Minnesota Conflict; and oral history.
“We recognize that the University is on Treaty One land in the heart of the Métis Nation,” said UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy. “We are committed to creating a respectful space to allow for Indigenous perspectives to be shared, supporting a dialogue that will contribute to a better understanding — while advancing Indigenous rights in Canada.”
Treaty Relations Commissioner James Wilson re-enforced the importance of sharing success stories, like Chief Bear’s, as a critical element in the continued growth of Indigenous communities. “By focusing on the positive and demonstrating the many examples where communities are contributing to Canada, we honour and respect our ancestors and the Treaties.”
The University of Winnipeg is committed to nurturing Indigenous scholarship, leadership and partnership. This year 12.03% of first year students coming into the University self-identify as First Nations, Métis of Inuit, making UWinnipeg one of the top universities in Canada for Indigenous participation.
Chief Bear’s Biography
Chief Darcy Bear of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation has established an excellent accountability and governance track record. Whitecap’s strong governance, accountability and partnerships have led to over 100 million dollars of investment, 650 jobs and an unemployment rate of 4%. Chief Bear’s accolades include receiving the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan and being named one of the “Ten Most Influential People” by Saskatchewan Business Magazine.
