First Nations chiefs want the government to fulfill their end of early treaties. 

The Long Plain First Nation chief says the government hasn't met several treaty obligations, particularly those of the numbered treaties one to eleven. 

 

Thats why Dennis Meeches has joined other first nations chiefs from across central Canada for the National Indian Treaties Gathering in Winnipeg.  Meeches expects they'll build a strategy to empower these treaties. 

 

He admits Long Plain has achieved much success with the city of Portage, but his colleagues have had a difficult time. 

 

Meeches hopes the gathering will help raise awareness of their concerns.  He feels a lack of awareness of what the treaties mean have played a part in misunderstandings during health and education talks with the government. 

 

Today was day one of the four-day event.