Kapawe’no First Nation – High school students in Ms Aaron Courtorielle’s drama class are preparing an impactful production titled “21,” set to perform at the year’s end and the 125th Treaty 8 Celebration. Initially learning about treaties in “Osawapiskaw: The Golden Thread” under Superintendent Mr. Boh Kubrakovich-Kiniw and Ms Aaron, the students have transformed their understanding into a creative expression. They have delved into the depth and complexities of the 21 Treaty rights guaranteed to the Treaty 8 people, recognizing the nuanced realities of these promises—some honored, others not, and all open to interpretation based on language and context.
The students’ production will creatively feature 21 promises, each representing a right, guiding the audience through both historical and contemporary interpretations of these rights. Through their studies, including improvisation techniques for live performance, they prepare to share their insights at the end of the school year and the Treaty 8 gathering.
The 21 Treaty rights to be presented include essential guarantees like education, healthcare, and subsistence rights—each reflecting a facet of the historical agreements and their implications today. They are learning that the treaty was about sharing the land; the land was not ceded, and the sharing is intended for immigration and settlement, not for extracting resources from the land or territory.
The production is scheduled to begin in early June and will run during the Treaty 8 125th year Celebration from June 16-21, 2024, at Willow Point, Sucker Creek lands.
For more details on showtimes and to support this enlightening performance, please contact Ms Aaron at aaron.courtorielle@kfnschool.ca or call (780) 751-0008.
Last modified: May 1, 2024
