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Contemporizing First Nations Treaty Rights Lecture

Grand Chief Nepanak

Grand Chief Nepinak

WINNIPEG, MB –Assembly of Manitoba Grand Chief Derek Nepinak will present a free public lecture titled “Making First Nations Treaty Rights Contemporary” on Friday, November 16 at 12:30 pm. – 1:30 pm, at The University of Winnipeg, Convocation Hall, (2nd floor, Wesley Hall), 515 Portage Avenue.

Making First Nations Treaty Rights Contemporary
Many people think First Nations treaty rights simply mean free glasses and free education for all with a status card. Not only is this inaccurate, but treaties signed by our First Nation ancestors are about more than that. The treaties were sacred agreements that had foresight and deep meaning of trust with the settler society. Today, however, very few people know what the sacred agreements are, what they mean, and how important it is to modernize the treaties to today’s standards.

Grand Chief Derek Nepinak will speak on what it will take to contemporize First Nations treaties and treaty rights.

Biography: Grand Chief Derek Nepinak 
Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, Niibin Makwa (Summer Bear) was born in Winnipeg, MB and spent his first years living with his great grandparents on the Pine Cree First Nation. During this time, Nepinak observed and learned the traditional ways of life.

Nepinak earned his undergraduate degree with a First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Native studies from the University of Alberta. During his post-secondary studies, he worked with Aboriginal youth whowere in the care of Child and Family Services system. Before continuing on in his studies, he worked in northern Canada with two Dene communities where he assisted in drafting governance documentation. He went on to complete his Law degree with the University of Saskatchewan and in his last semester, completed the intensive program in Aboriginal Lands, Resources & Governance at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto.

He later received the Duff Roblin fellowship and enrolled in the Aboriginal Governance Master’s Program at The University of Winnipeg, but prior to completing his degree, he was called home by the people to become Chief of the Pine Creek First  Nation.

Since being elected, Nepinak has worked diligently and in unity with his political peers, Chiefs and communities of Manitoba to advocate and address the issues that affect First Nations people across the province. He continues to implement a renewal strategy that incorporates a rights-based philosophy and approach to government while strengthening First Nations governance and working towards re-establishing our First Nation resource equity.

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