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Calgary Herald

Mount Royal University hosts Treaty Law School

Class is in session. Article content Starting Thursday, a Treaty Law School at the Ross Glen Hall in Mount Royal University will be taking place over the next four days. Article content Article content Speakers and law advocates will host a forum for treaty talks, research, preservation for treaty leadership and governance archives. Article content A few topics include treaty governance, leadership, pre-confederation treaties and sovereignty. Article content Article content Indigenous business and economic development chair for Mount Royal University, Dr. Evelyn Poitras, is the organizer and director of the Treaty Law School. Article content Article content 'In a Treaty Law School, we are creating space for our inherent governance frameworks as our ancestors stipulated,' Poitras said. 'In a school of Indian Treaty Law thought, the focus is on governance frameworks as our ancestors stipulated before and at the time of Treaty. Article content 'Today, we seek this alignment with our inherent principles of nationhood and sovereignty.' Article content Dean of business, communication, and aviation Kelly Williams-Whitt said the university is honoured to host the Treaty Law School. Article content 'The discussions and presentations at the Treaty Law School will become part of the archive that Dr. Poitras is creating to document and preserve the history and future of Indigenous governance in Canada,' Williams-Whitt said. 'Her work will make a significant contribution allowing dissemination of this knowledge to communities across the country.' Article content Article content Among many other speakers, the event will host Dr. Kathy Walker from the office of the Treaty Commission in Saskatchewan, Dr. Jerry Fontaine, Lewis Cardinal, and Ron Lameman of the International Treaty Council. Article content Poitras said it is important to host treaty law discussions, given the current conversation surrounding separatism in Alberta. Article content 'A treaty for us is a reference to our sovereignty, and it was recognized when we entered into these agreements with the Crown many years ago,' Poitras said. 'This is what we are talking about when we refer to treaties and this is our law of the land as well.' Article content This can be exemplified in lessons hosted throughout the event. Article content 'Elder Clarence Wolfleg Miiksika'am, who lifted his pipe this morning, also reminded that treaty is a story, reaffirmation, and it is also about ongoing relationship,' Poitras said.