Robinson Huron chiefs forging own path with new declaration, protocols

The Robinson Huron Waawiindaamaagewin (RHW) has formally adopted a declaration and a number of protocols surrounding how the treaty organization will assert itself in dealings with the federal and provincial governments going forward. 

All 21 chiefs from First Nations under the treaty have signed off on the documents, which were passed via chiefs-in-council resolution during a ceremony in Sault Ste. Marie Wednesday, a date that marked the 170th anniversary of the signing of the Robinson Huron Treaty. 

“We continue to demand that Canada and Ontario respect our inherent rights. The protocol and declaration summarizes how we as Anishinaabe work together and protect our resources,” said Shawanaga First Nation Chief Wayne Pamajewon in a news release. 

According to RHW Executive Director Earl Commanda, the treaty organization is looking to address how it will move forward on jurisdictional issues and assert its treaty rights when it comes to dealing with the Crown. 

“We made application to the federal government to deal with some of the issues - one of which is the overlapping boundary issue with other treaty areas, and so there’s a work plan that’s been put in place,” Commanda told SooToday Thursday. “The biggest concern, of course, is how do we begin to address the assertion and jurisdiction within the treaty territory over provincial rules, and federal?”

“The treaty was about sharing resources, but in terms of taking a look at the past, the annuities court case is addressing one thing - what we’re doing this week is trying to figure out a path forward.”

Wednesday’s signing ceremony is part of a three-day strategic planning session in Sault Ste. Marie, where chiefs-in-council will discuss and identify RHW priorities and action plans.  

“We ask governments to respect the Anishinaabe way of life. Since at least the time of our treaty, we have not been consulted or accommodated through any of the settler government processes,” said Batchewana First Nation Chief Sayers. “Today, as we have always done, we are committed to our responsibilities over our territories. The protocol and declaration demonstrate our commitment to working with other treaty nations.”

The Robinson Huron Treaty - originally signed Sept. 9, 1850 at Whitefish Island in present-day Sault Ste. Marie - saw 37,500 square miles of land transferred to the Crown.

The resolution of chiefs-in-council and protocols established by the treaty organization can be accessed through the RHW website.