CLFN hosts reconciliation and discrimination session

Cold Lake First Nations hosted a reconciliation and discrimination workshop aimed to provide information about treaties and how Indigenous people can respond to being discriminated against on Tuesday.

“We’re going to talk about discrimination and then we’re going to counter it with reconciliation options on how we can come together,” said Gary D. Lameman, CEO of Two Eagle Consulting before the session.

The talk has gone to other First Nations in the area and is facilitated by Tribal Chiefs.

The session broke down what reconciliation is and learning about the stories of treaties.

“I’m hoping that the communities, they get educated. First off on what discrimination is, and what they can do when they are discriminated against. Who can they go to? We’re going to equip them with stuff like that,” he said.

“There’s a lot of talk about reconciliation. A lot of people will say, I don’t really know what it is. So we’re going to break that down as well.

“When they walk away from here, they’re going to be educated, they’re going to know the different types of discrimination and what to do about it.”

There will be a similar information session at Goodfish First Nation on Nov. 4.

They’re also finding gaps when it comes to children’s rights and facing discrimination.

“It’s very important to us because both of us have a background in helping children helping us families,” said Dana Lameman.

“My background in child family Services has also helped me in this role to help children understand what their rights are. And we’re finding some gaps. We don’t have a panel, we don’t have a committee that’s committed to children and the discrimination that they face. So we can provide resources and so if we develop something from these workshops, then that will help children moving forward,” she said.