A long relationship in the southwest added another event to its history earlier this month.

Nekaneet First Nation, along with the R.M. of Maple Creek and the town of Maple Creek has always enjoyed a relationship that all involved have been proud of; holding it up as an example of how relations should be between First Nations and Non First Nations communities.

With the raising of the Treaty Four Flag over Maple Creek Composite School, that relationship has taken another step forward.

Chief Alvin Francis of Nekaneet talked about the history of the communities, and how he felt seeing the flag rise.

"We were quite honoured that the school raised the flag. Treaty Four has been in existence for 147 years and I always say, as long as we're moving forward together, that's the only way to look at it."

He added that seeing the flag was an extra honour for the people of Nekaneet, as it was one of their own; former Chief Gordon Oaks, who designed the Treaty Four flag.

"We're very unique when it comes to communities within Saskatchewan because, in the southwest, there's always been that cooperation. We've always been able to cooperate with our local communities. We carry that history on proudly."

That history goes back to a dark time in Canadian history when most First Nations were expelled from the Cypress Hills, a land that they had come to revere for not only hunting and gathering but also as a meeting place. Up to 16 First Nations at one point called the southwest home until they were forcibly removed. Chief Nekaneet on the other hand, was gifted a plot of land by a local area rancher because of the good relationship that his community and the other communities in the area had fostered. That plot of land, gifted out of respect, allowed the Nekaneet to remain while many others were rendered homeless.

That's a history that Steve Michaluk, Superintendent of Learning with the Chinook School Division feels is important for all students to know, not just First Nation students, but everyone. And it's why he was proud of the new flag flying over Maple Creek Composite.  The same flag was raised that day at Sidney Street school in a smaller ceremony.

"There's been some work done at Maple Creek Composite School around infusing that into the History 30 classes. Sidney Street School in Maple Creek as well are committed to an inclusive model."

Both men hold strong to the belief that education is key to a successful future for both First Nation and Non First Nation children.

"Chief Alvin does say that education is important. And so is tradition important as well. Those things go hand in hand in our schools. So we've got a very willing staff across divisions in terms of learning and being more culturally aware."

The ceremony which raised the flag included 3 classes from the high school participating in some traditional dances, as well as a gift exchange and a pipe ceremony. And while it was smaller than he would have liked due to COVID concerns, Michaluk said it was still a moving tribute to the way forward.

"A lot of people don't know what the history is, for example of the Nekaneet. So being connected with the First Nation through this education committee and having them come to our staff and share some of that history and our staff being willing to listen."

Chief Francis spoke a bit about seeing that relationship held up as a beacon to other First Nations, speaking to other Chiefs and anyone who will listen about being a good neighbour.

"Maple Creek and Nekaneet should be an example to the rest of the world. We're just neighbours. We talk to each other. I can go into my town and talk to anybody just walking by. Say good morning. Being respectful. Being kind to each other. That's the way it's always been in the southwest, particularly in the town of Maple Creek because that's an important part of being, as you would say, a good human being."

For him, and for others who have spent generations fostering the relationship between the groups, being a good neighbour is the necessary first step to being a fruitful partnership, whether that is in education or business.

"You have to make a better world for everybody. You have to be willing to cooperate and listen to each other. You might often have to come to a compromise. But that's life. You must negotiate to the benefit of both parties. Compromise to come to an agreement."

None of that happens without being kind to each other first. And to both Chief Francis, that is very much what the flag flying over Maple Creek School represents; a validation of that kindness that was built over generations.