Whitecap Dakota Nation celebrate Self-government Treaty 

Whitecap Dakota Nation – Chief Darcy Bear of Whitecap Dakota Nation, community members and Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, attended a ceremony to celebrate A Self-Government Treaty Recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate.

This Treaty is a major step for Whitecap to move out from under the Indian Act and implement their vision of self-government while also forming a stronger and renewed relationship between Whitecap Dakota Nation and Canada that is grounded in mutual respect, partnership and rights recognition.

This co-developed Treaty recognizes that Whitecap Dakota Nation has an inherent right to self-government and is one of the “Aboriginal peoples of Canada” under Canada’s Constitution Act, 1982. Whitecap Dakota Nation’s Treaty also recognizes Whitecap’s law-making powers on their reserve lands. This includes governance, land management, natural resources, business development, membership, cultural matters, language revitalization and preservation, education, financial management and accountability, health and social services. In addition, the Self-Government Treaty establishes a stronger and more stable fiscal relationship between the Whitecap Dakota Nation and the Government of Canada.

With increased control over their own affairs, Whitecap Dakota Nation can better implement their vision for self-determination, enhance community well-being and continue to build on their many successes in community, economic and business development. Canada is committed to working with Indigenous partners to restore Nation-to-Nation relationships, implement their inherent right to self-determination and support communities as they move out from under the Indian Act and transition to self-government.