"ABOUT US"
BACKGROUND
The Alberta Treaty 8 Trappers were given a mandate in 2009 by the Alberta Treaty 8 Chief and Elders Advisory Council to address many issues impacting Treaty 8 Trappers, which include Industry impacts on their trap lines, consultation, and compensation issues. Since then, the Alberta Treaty 8 Trappers have been able to make great strides, establishing a board and incorporating as the Alberta Treaty 8 Trappers Association (AT8TA) and developing bylaws and governance documents. On April 19, 2018 the Alberta Treaty 8 Trappers Association met with the Minister of Environment and Parks Shannon Philips, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta Treaty 8 Trappers Association, agreeing to AT8TA Administering Treaty 8 Registered Fur Management areas, creating Treaty 8 Based trappers training programs in traditional languages, dealing in fur, and working on compensation. These commitments are huge steps forward for Treaty 8 Trappers and will allow for more autonomy and decision-making power to ensure better protection for Treaty 8 Trappers into the future.
OUR WAY FORWARD Upon the upcoming years ahead, our organization will continue to focus on working to build on relationships with First Nations, Industry, Government and other Trapping organizations to develop a stronger understanding of trapping and traditional teachings. We hope to work collaboratively to strengthen Treaty 8 Trapping and traditional teachings to assist in minimizing the negative impacts to Trapping and ensure these practices can continue for generations.
The signing of the MOU with Alberta embodies the principles of self-determination; promotion and protection of cultural traditions and values.
It is based on the seven sacred teachings of wisdom, honour, courage, trust, respect, humility and love and the UNITED NATIONS DECLARATIONS on the rights of IDIGENOUS PEOPLES.
Alberta Treaty 8 Trappers Association values the importance of trapping and traditional teachings and honours all that is connected to this way of life.
