Raising of the Treaty #3 Flag
PROCLAMATION - Raising of the Treaty #3 Flag
October 16, 2026
Whereas, the lands governed by Grand Council Treaty Three include 55,000 square miles, extending from West of Thunder Bay and into Manitoba and from North of Sioux Lookout to the Minnesota Border; and
Whereas, the Anishinaabe Nation have lived on these lands since time immemorial and have maintained a spiritual connection to Mother Earth and a custodial responsibility for the lands gifted to them by the creator; and
Whereas, the Anishinaabe entered into Treaty Three with the Crown on October 3rd, 1873, in an agreement intended to share these lands and their bounty, as neighbours and treaty partners; and
Whereas, the Town of Fort Frances is located in the Southern Region of Treaty Three; and
Whereas, there are ten First Nation communities located in the Southern Region of Treaty Three; and
Whereas, the Town of Fort Frances gives gratitude and honour to the Ancestors, Elders, and all Anishinaabe people for sharing their resources and knowledge; and
Whereas, the Town of Fort Frances wishes to move forward with the First Nations of the Southern Region of Treaty Three in a relationship based on mutual understanding and respect; and
Whereas, the Town of Fort Frances is deeply committed to working towards the goal of reconciliation, partnership, friendship, and shared prosperity with all of the Indigenous People of Treaty Three; and
Whereas, all those residing in Treaty Three Territory, including the residents of The Town of Fort Frances, are treaty people.
Now, therefore, I, Mayor Andrew Hallikas of the Town of Fort Frances, hereby proclaim that the Treaty Three Flag be raised at the Fort Frances Civic Centre; and
Further, that the Treaty Three flag permanently fly from its own flag staff in front of the Fort Frances Civic Centre as a symbol of our relationship and friendship with the First Nations of Treaty Three; and
Further, that all residents of Fort Frances be reminded when they see this flag, that the Town of Fort Frances is located within Treaty Three Territory; and
Further, I call on all residents of Fort Frances to honour their commitment as treaty people, educate themselves about past harms done to Indigenous people, and seek true reconciliation, partnership, and friendship with all members of the First Nations of Treaty Three and particularly the members of those First Nations located in the Southern Region of Treaty Three.
Andrew Hallikas, Mayor
© 2025 The Town of Fort Frances