Meet Saskatchewan's new treaty commissioner

While celebrations were taking place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan Kathy Walker was beginning her first day on the job.  

Walker, who is nêhiyaw iskwêw (a Cree woman) with Saulteaux, Nakoda and Métis lineages, is only the second woman to lead the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) — one of the most powerful arbiters in the province for truth and reconciliation — since its inception. She was appointed by the federal government and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, which represents Saskatchewan's First Nations.

"I'm very much looking forward to helping to create … and strengthen understanding of the treaties in Saskatchewan," Walker said.

Walker, who holds a master of political science, a master of business administration, and a PhD in political science, was formerly an assistant professor of political science at the University of Saskatchewan.  

A member of the Okanese First Nation, her work has focused very closely on Indigenous nations and organizations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. 

Walker describes the job as having a common understanding of the treaties and then strengthening the treaty relations among governments and citizens. She believes her academic background can aid her in this role. 

"A pillar of the work that the Office of the Treaty Commissioner does is public education and treaty education, and that's been a big part of the work it's been doing since its inception," Walker said . 

"It's really just, you know, like a natural offshoot of what I've been doing and my, you know, research and work in Indigenous governance and politics." 

Strengthening the treaty relationship

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is a five-year appointment, and Walker says she appreciates having ample time to carry out the work. 

"I think that's a good amount of time, hopefully, to really, again, you know, work towards helping to facilitate a common understanding on treaties primarily through, you know, research and education," Walker said. 

Walker believes that her first day in the role coincided with National Truth and Reconciliation Day is symbolic of the work ahead of her. 

"I think treaties are one of our best blueprints for true reconciliation," Walker said. 

"I'm really looking forward to helping to work towards strengthening the treaty relationship in this province, and to treaty implementation because I do believe that … will move us closer to truth and reconciliation." 

'Common understanding'

Walker is the sixth person to be elected into the office, but only the second woman to fill the role.

 "I come from a long line of strong resilient, Indigenous women and matriarchs, and I'm proud to be a part of that history and that tradition," she said.

Walker says she is invested in program- and policy-development initiatives between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Saskatchewan. 

"My job is to really lead the common understanding on the treaties," she said. "Strengthen treaty relations amongst governments and citizens — you know, both First Nations and non-First Nations people."