REGINA, June 21, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament (Regina-Qu'Appelle), today announced $99,500 in funding for the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. The funds will help purchase an important 19th-century pictograph account.
The document was created by Chief Paskwa of the Pasqua First Nation and signed in 1874. It depicts the negotiations leading up to Treaty Four from the perspective of the First Nations people and records treaty payments made until 1883. The Chief Paskwa Pictograph is the only such example known to exist. A graphite drawing on two paper panels, measuring 33 cm by 42 cm, it depicts figures in European clothing and traditional Aboriginal dress. The left hand panel shows Chief Paskwa's understanding of the treaty itself. The right hand panel is an account of the provisions received subsequent to the signing of the treaty.
"It is fitting that this announcement is being made on National Aboriginal Day, a day when we celebrate the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people," said Minister Oda. "This is a unique historical and cultural artifact of significance to First Nations people in Saskatchewan and to all Canadians, because it is the only known artifact that shows how the First Nations viewed the treaty negotiation process."
The document was obtained in 1883 by an English gentleman and traveller, William Henry Barneby, and remained in his family until 2000 when it was sold at auction.
"This part of the past can help us better understand contemporary events and processes that are shaping political, social, and economic relationships between First Nations people and the governments of Saskatchewan and Canada," said Mr. Scheer. "The Paskwa Pictograph is coming back to its home, and it is most appropriate that we celebrate it today, on National Aboriginal Day."
"We are all treaty peoples, so I am sure all the residents of Saskatchewan welcome back the Chief Paskwa Pictograph, which will have an important educational role regarding the treaty process," said Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert. "The province is honoured to partner with the Pasqua First Nation in repatriating this historical document back to its rightful owner, and we were pleased to contribute $71,000 towards its purchase."
"We are grateful for the contributions received toward the return of the Chief Paskwa Pictograph to Treaty Four country. Without the donations and contributions, we would not have been able to bring this historical document home, and for this reason, we are truly appreciative," said Chief Elaine Chicoose.
Canada's New Government has provided $99,500 in funding through the Movable Cultural Property Grants Program, which was created following the adoption of the Cultural Property Export and Import Act in 1977. Movable Cultural Property Grants may be awarded to assist designated institutions to acquire nationally significant objects existing outside Canada or to preserve, in Canada, cultural property that is threatened with permanent export. The grant program is administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage and is authorized to spend up to $3 million in 2007-2008.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Colin McSweeney
Executive Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament for Regina-Qu'Appelle
613 992-4593
Brigitte Gibson
Director
Manitoba & Nunavut
Canadian Heritage
204 983-7875
