The Hon. Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, made an official visit to Alberta from Oct. 25 to 29, marking the first time the governor has met with Indigenous leaders in Treaty 6 territory.
On Oct. 29 at Government House in Edmonton, Simon met with Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 representatives Alexander First Nation Chief George Arcand Jr. and Frog Lake First Nation Chief Greg Desjarlais along with Treaty 7 and 8 representatives to discuss economic reconciliation.
"Nation-to-nation relationships with the Crown guided by the authority of Treaty No. 6. Treaty relationships among sovereign nations are the highest form of internationally recognized law, making this long-awaited official meeting with the Crown’s representative welcome and highly significant," stated a press release from the confederacy.
"We were glad to have the opportunity to speak together on matters of importance."
Topics discussed included the confederacy's opposition to Bill C-61, an act respecting water and related infrastructure on First Nation Lands, child and family services policy, and concerns about the "current and constant attempts from federal and provincial governments to erode our treaty rights."
The release went on to say any proposed legislation affecting First Nations must be undertaken with respect for treaties and the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples.
"That means meeting and speaking with us directly, as Governor General Mary Simon has today. We look forward to further, positive discussions with the governor general, the prime minister and other leaders as we work together as Treaty partners to forge a better future."
The visit to Alberta was a focus on reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, digital respect and mental health, stated a release from the office of the governor general.
Simon began her visit in Cold Lake to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
During the visit, she met with the lieutenant governor, the premier and Indigenous leaders.
She also travelled to Jasper to meeting with citizens, volunteers and first responders.
The visit was concluded with the investment of seven Albertans into the Order of Canada at a ceremony in Edmonton.
This was the governor's first official visit to Alberta.
Installed into the office on July 26, 2021, Simon is Inuk on her mother's side, making her the first Indigenous person to hold the office of governor general.