Wpg Free Press: A chance for reconciliation

As the Winnipeg Free Press reports: 

Though the project has been marred by court challenges and broken treaty promises for more than a decade, the future of Kapyong Barracks is still hopeful and it could become a tangible example of reconciliation in the heart of the country, says Manitoba’s treaty relations commissioner….

Niigaan Sinclair, who is Anishinaabe and originally from St. Peter’s (Little Peguis) Indian Settlement, said the development of the Kapyong site represents “a true opportunity for reconciliation in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada.” At Kapyong, some Indigenous people can finally get back some of the territory they are owed, he said.

“This is a situation where most of these First Nations will be able to find gateways out of the Indian Act just due to this project. It’s an opportunity for Indigenous nations to have a real venue to be able to create relationships and partnerships with Winnipeggers and Manitobans,” said Sinclair, an associate professor in native studies at the University of Manitoba.

“It’s one of those projects where you just see so much potential in it and Indigenous peoples see a real opportunity and a gateway out of the draconian 150 years (of Canada) due to it. It’s not going to be the only solution, but it’s a really big significant solution.”