Ref. #2-3656
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (May 9, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today the appointment of George Lafond as Commissioner of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner for Saskatchewan.
"I am delighted that Mr. Lafond has agreed to lead the Commission's important work to increase public awareness of historic treaties," said Minister Duncan. "I am confident Mr. Lafond will build upon the work of the previous Treaty Commissioner, the Honourable Bill McKnight, whom I would like to thank for his contribution to the success of the treaty commission."
"The opportunity to serve as Treaty Commissioner is both welcome and humbling," said Mr. Lafond. "I've had the great pleasure of working closely with Elders and leaders who have a profound commitment to the treaties and the solemn nature of those agreements. I believe the treaties provide the framework for peace and friendship and a more just and respectful future for all of our children and grandchildren."
A treaty commission is a neutral, arms-length body that supports discussions about treaties. The Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), created in partnership with First Nation organizations, was established in June 1989 by Canada and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN). The objective of the OTC is to ensure the Government of Canada and FSIN achieve a common understanding of Treaties No. 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 in the Province of Saskatchewan.
Since 1989, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner has been instrumental in facilitating discussions on and raising public awareness of the importance of historical treaties in Saskatchewan. The public education efforts in Saskatchewan have been very successful. The Province has made Teaching Treaties in the Classroom a mandatory part of the curriculum for K-12 for all schools.
The appointment of Mr. Lafond as Commissioner is a two year term.
Treaty commissions are part of the government's ongoing commitment to address historic treaty issues through co-operative relationships with Treaty First Nations.
Appointments to the commission are made by the Governor in Council and are based on the guiding principles of competency, professionalism and accessibility to all Canadians.
