Treaty Six Medicine Chest Clause and one First Nation’s Response to Covid-19

Press Release

Moosomin First Nation, Treaty Six Territory

In response to the overwhelming support and congratulatory messages to the Moosomin First Nation, MediMask Canada Manufacturing, and its distribution company MediDisposables, on launching their mask production last week, Chief Bradley Swiftwolfe wishes to extend a huge “thank you” on behalf of the Cree Nation.

Chief Swiftwolfe finds it imperative, however, that First Nations citizens in Treaty Six territory and beyond know that the mask manufacturing and distribution initiative was realized without Federal Government support.

With the utmost concern for the elders and those most vulnerable to Covid-19, the Chief publicly reminds the Government of Canada that not only do they have a fiduciary responsibility under Canada’s Constitution, but there is also a stated obligation within the signed Treaty referred to as the “Medicine Chest Clause.”

Chief Swiftwolfe is therefore calling on the Government of Canada to support First Nations in instituting their own protective measures in ensuring adequate supplies of PPE for Indigenous peoples.  Finally, First Nations cannot and will not wait by the Fort, begging for rations and medicines, as they had to after agreeing to Treaty in 1876.

Media contacts:
Chief Bradley Swiftwolfe
Indigenous@medimask.ca

306-386-2206

Gary LaPlante
Indigenous@medidisposables.ca

780-909-7881