Miskâsowin & kihci-asotamâtowin
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Miskâsowin & kihci-asotamâtowin
Individuals must have a firm grasp of knowledge about culture, history and pedagogy, facets that can use to promote cultural sensitivity and appreciation of diversity that each culture abhors. It is more beneficial to learn and relate to cultural contexts in history as part of establishing as a strong foundation of knowledge and awareness of historical identities and beliefs; Miskâsowin & kihci-asotamâtowin. Treaties in Saskatchewan presents one of the oldest agreements that would lead to the creation of nations. Reports indicate that as early as 1701, the British initiated treaties with communities across the globe in a concerted effort to ensure territorial peace. The fundamentalism of treaties in Saskatchewan lied on the definition of rights of the indigenous people and how the government would use their land.
The Saskatchewan treaties, although they occurred earlier than my lifetime, presents something special for the Aboriginal, particularly on the roles they played in ensuring peace and tranquillity between communities in Canada and the British government. It is indicated that at the time of Saskatchewan treaties, there were nearly 30 indigenous languages in what is now Canada. Still, the use of English in the settlements contributed to the establishment of forms of commonness. The treaties set agreements for promises, obligations and the benefits each party to the agreement would receive, especially in terms of land ownership. Bearing in mind that the Saskatchewan treaties carried significant implications to the future generation, it would be essential to assess individual perspectives and beliefs about the agreement that would later shape the future of higher.
The imperatives of the treaties lied on the need to establish peaceful co-existence between communities. Although history suggests that some communities expressed reservations out of doubt for the British regarding promise fulfilment, the bigger picture sustains it was critical to keep peace and share the land, something I strongly identified with and support. Thinking of myself as a treaty person is something I appreciate. Although I am a non-indigenous person living in Canada, I understand the roles the Saskatchewan treaties played in ensuring my ancestors found settlements. The treaties promoted establishment of legislations that among other things, protected the rights of individuals. The benefits and the identity I possess now come from the treaty rights. I have come to appreciate my identity as a settler Canadian and refuse to align with the narrative that Canadian history began with the arrival of settlers. I recognize that I am a third-generation Canadian, but I would support the true story of Canada, and that is how I choose to represent my engagement with Miskâsowin.
Kihei-asotamâtowin carried significant meaning to the signing of treaties as it represented a form of vows for promise fulfilment. The events and processes that the Aboriginal communities followed when signing treaties were similar to the traditions that are followed during the ceremony of marriage. I have always believed that the ceremony of marriage is a unique moment and that the words spoken between the two people getting married truly bind them together in more than just a legal way. This is how I have come to connect with and understand kihci-asotamâtowin.