On April 13, we had the privilege of hosting Amy Seesequasis, Treaty Relations Consultant, as part of our series aiming to bridge knowledge for equitable food systems.
With her expertise, we delved into the history and impact of Treaties in Canada, exploring why these agreements were necessary, how they were breached, and what this means for Indigenous and settler communities moving forward.
From the factors that led to the need for treaties to the systemic disregard for their terms, Amy helped us understand the implications of the creation and aftermath of these treaties and provided guidance on how we can do to move forward in a positive way.
As we work to advance food systems that honour Indigenous rights and promote reconciliation, it’s essential that we understand the historical and ongoing impacts of Treaties on Indigenous communities.
We invite you to learn more by watching Amy’s full presentation, below:
The Treaty Land Sharing Network
In her presentation, Amy shares guidance on how settlers and Indigenous peoples can move forward from Treaty breaches. In doing so, she highlights the work of the Treaty Land Sharing Network.
The Treaty Land Sharing Network is a group of farmers, ranchers, and other landholders who reached out to Indigenous community workers to begin the crucial work of honouring Treaties. The Network aims to ensure Indigenous peoples can access land to practice their Treaty rights.
- If you are interested in sharing the land that you farm or ranch with Indigenous land users through the Treaty Land Sharing Network, please click here.
- If you would like to access land for gathering plants and medicines, hunting, and ceremony, please click here.
About Amy Seesequasis
Amy is a Cree with Métis lineage from the Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. She has over a decade of experience as a Treaty content specialist, providing consultation and educational opportunities centered around Treaties, Indigenous peoples, and reconciliation. She pursued her adult 12 education at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in 2007 and went on to the University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies in 2011. She has worked for the Correctional Service of Canada, University of Saskatchewan – Dept. of Indigenous Native Studies, and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
Amy is an independent Treaty Relationship Consultant and the owner and operator of sisikwewiskwew Consulting Ltd. She is also the General Manager of the Creeland Dancers; an Indigenous dance company formed by her Kohkum Therese Seesequasis and late Moshum Ken. Amy is on the coordinating committee for the Treaty Land Sharing Network, a grassroots movement and organization aimed at promoting and implementing the Treaty relationship through the context of land sharing.
She is first and foremost a mother and applies that perspective to all the work she does. She enjoys opportunities to share stories with others that will foster identity, inclusion and belonging. Amy feels it is important to promote the Treaty relationship and provide an understanding of Indigenous peoples and reconciliation, which will encourage inclusivity and respect for all. She works for Saskatchewan Polytechnic as an online instructor and curriculum developer, and feels she has come full circle, providing educational opportunities at the institution where her educational career began.
