Work continues toward the design, construction and installation of a historic monument on the Legislative Building grounds commemorating the bicentenary of the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty, Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister James Teitsma and Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke, alongside Friends of the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty Inc., announced Tuesday (Feb 7).
“The historic Peguis-Selkirk Treaty was the first instance of a formal written agreement recognizing Indigenous land rights in Western Canada,” said Teitsma. “This new monument will serve as an important reminder of the historic spirit of sharing, co-operation and conciliation between Chief Peguis, the allied chiefs and Lord Selkirk.”
The Manitoba government previously announced a signed agreement with Friends of the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty Inc. and its contribution of $500,000 toward the monument. The monument will feature a statue of Chief Peguis and inscriptions commemorating all five treaty signatory chiefs, as well as King George III and Lord Selkirk. The monument will be installed on the north lawn of the Legislative Building grounds between the existing Next of Kin monument eastward toward the former location of the Queen Victoria monument.
“As the first monument on the Legislative Building grounds to recognize the contributions of First Nations people, it is intended to promote reconciliation between First Nations and non-Indigenous Manitobans,” said Clarke. “We would like to thank the Friends of the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty for their work and dedication in advancing this important project.”
“Our sincere thanks to the Manitoba government, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and all the members of our Peguis-Selkirk organization for their support of this historic initiative,” said Bill Shead, co-chair, Friends of the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty Inc. and a member of Peguis First Nation.
The next step for the design of the monument will be through a competitive process initiated by a formal request for proposals.
“We are hopeful the design and construction phases will lead to the unveiling of the monument on Sept. 28, 2024, – the 160th anniversary of the death of Chief Peguis,” said John Perrin, co-chair, Friends of the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty Inc. and president of the Scottish Heritage Council of Manitoba.
The Peguis-Selkirk Treaty was signed by Chief Peguis, allied chiefs Mache Wheseab, Mechkaddewikonaie, Kayajieskebinoa, Ouckidoat, and Thomas Douglas, the fifth Earl of Selkirk, on July 18, 1817, at Fort Douglas in Winnipeg with the goal of ensuring peace between predominantly Scottish settlers and local First Nations people.
