Southern Alberta, also home to Métis Nation Region 3, is bound by Treaty 7, a living document signed on Sept. 22, 1877 between the Crown and five First Nations communities:

• the Blackfoot Confederacy (the Káínaa (Blood), Siksiká (Blackfoot), and the Piikáni (Piegan))

• the Îyârhe [ee-YAH-hhay] Nakoda (Stoney: Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley)

• the Tsúùtínà (Sarcee is considered an offensive term by most of the Tsuut'ina Nation)

These First Nations communities generally understood it to be a peace treaty to share, not surrender, their traditional lands.

​

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015 presented a roadmap forward that refers to the UN's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to address Canada's colonial, anti-Indigenous genocidal past and present. As of June 2021, eight to thirteen of the 94 calls to action have been implemented.

​

I can continue petitioning and protesting for the land and water rights of Indigenous Peoples in "Canada" by amplifying what they believe is best for the land and for their right to clean water and safety on their own land. I can continue challenging my biases and learned discrimination towards Indigenous persons and support their knowledge, stories, and well-being. I will not euphemize the ongoing Indigenous genocide, history and effects of residential schools, unaddressed MMIW2S, nor other issues pertaining to Indigenous Peoples. I will continue learning about past and current Indigenous issues and accomplishments on my own, and if I do seek the expertise and knowledge of Indigenous persons, to compensate and respect them for their energy and time. I will learn about ongoing issues and stand up for oppressed peoples in and out of colonial "Canada."