pahkwêsikan ekwa maskihkîwâpoy asici (Bannock and Tea) with Rod Belanger

Join us at the MacKenzie Art Gallery for pahkwêsikan ekwa maskihkîwâpoy asici (Bannock and Tea) with Rod Belanger.

“Tânisi niwâhkômâkanak ekwa nitôtêmak !!

My name is Rod Belanger, and I am of Nehiyo and Nahkwe Peoples. I am from the Kakisiwew/Chacachas/Ochapowace Cree Nation located on Treaty 4 Territory.

(Our historic identity—kâ-têpwêwisîpîwiyiniwak—Calling River People)

Since the mid-1970s, my interest in the Treaties was sparked by the old voices still echoing the Treaty and the importance of keeping that spirit alive. Young and unaware, due to provoked disconnection, made it difficult to navigate through that historic era. However, the years of reconnection, education and uncomfortable reidentifying assisted and helped shape and construct what it is to be Treaty.

As the Treaty part of my life will never dissolve, I have had another opportunity to further expand my knowledge and participation. This time on the world stage. I was introduced to the Indigenous people of the world and the ongoing issues and the attention now being the United Nations. This time was significant and memorable, the final UNDRIP report was a very critical time for Indigenous people in the world and Canada.

Congregating thoughts around the Treaties and UNDRIP has fueled a life of passionate review and personal unexhaustive interest. With much intrigue, this history has created a journey of limitless personal reconnection to the past and the “what to do” in the future. With the right energy, education and approach to these internationally recognized areas of thought, much can be accomplished personally and for humanity.

Kinanâskomitinâwâw”

Rod Belanger