Historic Treaty Four medal returns to its territory
- EFN Staff | October 22, 2014
On Monday, September 29, 2014, a long-lost Treaty Four medal, one of only 21 original medals presented to each Chief who entered into treaty on September 15,1874, returned to Treaty Four territory.
The Treaty Four medal was in a private collection amassed by the late Robert D.W. Band and was consigned for sale with Jeffrey Hoare Auctions on September 20, 2014. After learning about the sale of the Treaty Four medal, Paula Acoose and her husband, Ray McCallum decided to use their own personal funds to purchase the medal for the people of Treaty Four. They flew to the auction in London, Ontario and were successful in acquiring the medal.
“On behalf of the Treaty Four First Nations, we express our deep gratitude to everyone who played a role in assisting Treaty Four in bringing the medal home,” says Treaty 4 Spokesperson Chief Lynn Acoose. “Understanding the historical and spiritual significance of the medal, Wendy Hoare, from Jeffrey Hoare Auctions offered to personally deliver the medal to Treaty Four territory.”
Treaty Four Elders, Leadership and Membership conducted a reclamation ceremony when the medal arrived at the Regina Airport.
The Treaty Four Trust and Treaty Four Council of Chiefs will be undertaking a fundraising campaign to repay Paula and Ray, and the medal will be collectively held as a legacy for all Treaty Four people.