Evenings At Government House

On May 19, 2026, ICC Board Member, Cheryl Baraniuk and ICC CEO, Shelly Bulycz attended “Evenings at Government House” on behalf of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce. Hosted by The Honourable Anita Neville, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, the evening featured a presentation titled “The Governor’s Garden: The Role of the King’s Representative in Treaty,” where guests gathered to reflect on the enduring relationship between Indigenous Peoples, the Crown, and the importance of treaty relationships in Canada.

The evening featured remarks acknowledging the significance of Manitoba’s first ever Treaty Week in Manitoba, with Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross emphasizing the importance of continued treaty education, reconciliation, and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The keynote address was delivered by author and educator Nathan Tidridge, MSM, who explored the historical significance of the Covenant Chain, the Treaty of Niagara, and the role of ceremony, education, and reconciliation in renewing relationships between Indigenous Nations and the Crown. He also highlighted the symbolism of gardens, trees, and sacred spaces as living representations of reciprocity, responsibility, and shared stewardship.

Attendees were encouraged to continue their learning journey about treaties, Indigenous history, and the responsibilities that come with maintaining respectful relationships rooted in mutual understanding and trust. Reflections on reconciliation, constitutional history, and the importance of restoring dialogue and ceremony were central themes throughout the presentation, reinforcing the value of ongoing education and meaningful conversations in strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.