The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner are proud to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Following a Pipe Ceremony, the signing took place this afternoon between Treaty Commissioner Dr. Kathy Walker and SUMA President Randy Goulden at the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatoon, SK.

SUMA CEO Jean-Marc Nadeau, Treaty Commissioner Dr. Kathy Walker, SUMA Manager of Communications Roxanne Korpan, Elder Julie Pitzel, OTC Director of Public Policy and Development Darrelyne Bickel, SUMA President Randy Goulden, and OTC Treaty Relations Lead Charlie Clark.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner and SUMA aim to work together to promote understanding of Treaty rights and Truth and Reconciliation among Saskatchewan's urban municipalities and to facilitate relationship-building between First Nations and municipalities.

"SUMA is demonstrating great leadership in committing to strengthen Treaty relations among urban municipalities in Saskatchewan," said Treaty Commissioner Dr. Kathy Walker. "This partnership embodies living the Treaties through education, recognition of our shared history, collaborative problem-solving and respectful relations. It is rooted in mutual respect and wītaskēwin, or living together in peace and harmony, for our mutual benefit."

"Municipalities and First Nations have been each other's neighbours since before Saskatchewan even became a province," said SUMA President Randy Goulden, "We're grateful to work with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner to make sure urban municipalities have the knowledge and tools they need to collaborate with First Nations partners and advance shared priorities, including updated infrastructure, economic development, and community safety."

SUMA and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner recognize that all urban municipalities in Saskatchewan are located within Treaty territories, making all urban municipalities and their residents Treaty people. All residents of Saskatchewan, including within First Nations and non-First Nations communities, stand to benefit from strengthened Treaty relationships.