Led by non-Indigenous organizations, MCC along with others hope to use this weekend's celebration to move closer toward truth and reconciliation with the Indigenous community of Manitoba.
"I think one of the most important aspects of the We Are All Treaty People celebration is the fact that it's organized by non-Indigenous organizations and individuals, partly because a lot of the other First Nations communities already celebrate Treaty," says Kerry Saner-Harvey, the Indigenous Neighbours Program Coordinator with MCC Manitoba. "We as non-Indigenous people have largely ignored or not thought of as something that's important for us to talk about and emphasize."
MCC Manitoba believes building relationships with the Indigenous community is the first step towards reconciliation.
"The We Are All Treaty People Celebration is happening this Sunday in the afternoon [at the Forks]," says Saner-Harvey. "The official program is from 1-4. Before that, there will be a pipe and water ceremony. The event is open to everybody, as a family-friendly event. There will be clay and puppet making, as well as dream catchers."
The main stage will have performers including Winnipeg's past poet laureate, Duncan Mercredi who will debut a specially commissioned piece of poetry. There will also be the Mason Sisters Hoop Dancing performance and one from Island Breeze Pacific Island dancers, associated with Manitoba's YWAM base.
"MCC has had a long history of connecting with Indigenous communities in various ways. We've had a lot of learning in that process. We know that we have not always had an equitable relationship since Mennonites have been here, and others. We are wanting to take this step to say that these relationships are really important to us. We respect and honour and appreciate each other's cultures."