In a milestone agreement between the federal government and the Manitou Asinîy - Iniskim - Tsa Xani Centre (MAITX), an Indigenous-led non-profit, Manitou Asinîy (also known as the Manitou Stone) is one step closer to being returned to the land under the stewardship of Indigenous Peoples. Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and representatives from MAITX gathered in Elk Island National Park to mark the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding securing land in Elk Island National Park for MAITX to establish a permanent home for the Manitou Stone and allowing for a future Indigenous-led cultural experience within Elk Island National Park. The Manitou Stone is an ancient sacred stone that once served as a gathering place where tribes came to perform spiritual and ceremonial practice. The stone was revered as a source of strength and guidance, embodying the prosperity and balance represented by the bison. MAITX is securing a home for the Manitou Stone on the land surrounded once again by bison in Elk Island National Park - the centre of bison conservation in Canada for over a century. Through this agreement, the care and presentation of the Manitou Stone and its teachings will be fully led by Indigenous Peoples through MAITX.
The federal government is committed to ensuring Indigenous connections are honoured. By partnering with Indigenous-led organizations like MAITX, Parks Canada is demonstrating commitment to working with Indigenous Peoples to conserve cultural heritage and ensure these vital connections with the land are maintained.
