Minister Valcourt Announces Re-Appointment of James Brook Wilson as Treaty Commissioner of Manitoba

Re-appointed Treaty Commissioner for Manitoba will build on success in raising awareness and understanding among Canadians on treaty issues

OTTAWA, May 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Bernard Valcourt, today announced the re-appointment of James Brook Wilson as Commissioner of the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (TRCM).

The Treaty Commission is part of the Government's ongoing commitment to address treaty issues through co-operative relationships with Treaty First Nations and was created in partnership with First Nation organizations.

The mandate of the Treaty Commissioner, which includes activities such as public education, facilitation and independent research, has been extended to March 31, 2016. This two-year extension will enable continued focus on developing and facilitating productive partnerships, particularly with industry; and cooperation with and between Treaty First Nations, provinces, training/educational institutions and the private sector.

Quick Facts

• Treaty Commissioner Mr. Wilson will serve a term of two years, effective April 1, 2014.
• The TRCM was established in 2005 by Canada and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
• A treaty commission is a neutral, arm's-length body that helps facilitate discussions about treaties.
• In Manitoba, there are seven Numbered Treaties (Treaties 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10) signed between 1871 and 1906. There are 58 Treaty First Nations in the province representing approximately 80,045 First Nation people.
• 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.

Quote

"I am pleased to announce the re-appointment of Mr. Wilson as the commissioner of the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba who will continue leading the Commission's work to raise public awareness of the importance of treaties in Manitoba. Treaty commissions are part of the government's ongoing commitment to address historic treaty issues through co-operative relationships with Treaty First Nations."

Bernard Valcourt
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister

Related Products

Biographical Note - James Brook Wilson

Associated Links

Treaty-Making in Canada
The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Erica Meekes, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.