This workshop presentation is predicated on Elders’ teachings of Treaty including the Nehiyaw/Cree world view (Day before Treaty), the spirit in making Treaty (Day of Treaty) and the day after Treaty – the relationship as it unfolded. The oral context of Nehiyaw and Anishinabe legal orders and doctrines represented by symbols on the land, waters and sky are encapsulated in this unique presentation to the Conference participants and guests. 

Dr. Diana Steinhauer, Nehiyaw/Cree, of onihcikiskwapiwinhk in Treaty No. 6 Territory, is an educator with 30 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and administration in K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions. Most importantly, she is a mother and first teacher of her two children. She currently serves as the President of Yellowhead Tribal College. Diana completed her Doctorate in iyiniw pimātisiwin kiskeyitamowin (Indigenous Peoples Knowledge) at University n Blue Quills. She is particularly grateful to Elders and Knowledge Keepers who have guided and mentored her in the ancestral knowledge and ways of being as a kise iskwew. Recognizing the value and work of iyiniw pimātisiwin, Diana’s work as a change agent in language, education, and governance is grounded upon her late father’s adage, pimātisîtotetân kimiyikowisiwininaw, ‘Let us live life the way our Creator intended for us to live’.

“It’s true, there are cultural differences which, if you are not aware, could impact the connections needed for mutual prosperity or just decent working relationships. This presentation is for mainstream professionals that want to know what they might expect in working with First Nation people. How do you navigate the protocols in striking up a partnership with a First Nation organization? What issues could arise on the front lines between First Nation and mainstream employees What to do if you are invited to a ceremony? These are just a few of the topics that Mr. McLean will touch on in this insightful and often humorous tour of First Nation terrain: All the Dirt on Working With First Nation People.” 

Mr. McLean is from the James Smith Cree Nation. He is a fifth generation descendent of Treaty 6. After leaving the University of Saskatchewan with a B.A. in Philosophy, he joined the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). While with the Federation he gained experience in lands and resources, international affairs, and economic development. He was a member of the team that negotiated the Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement in 1992. Later, Winston was worked on the First Nation and Metis Justice Reform Commission in 2002 as their Director of Operations.

It was in connection with his work in land claims and in justice that Mr. McLean developed a profound respect for the building of bridges between mainstream and First Nation communities. Much of his work now is as a facilitator, working with corporate Canada and governments with aboriginal awareness training. But he also volunteers helping his First Nation deal with a major mining project that will have generational impacts.