Treaty Day

Today is Treaty Day. That is one of two days a year on which treaty annuities are distributed according to the numbered treaties signed between the Canadian government and various groups of First Nations peoples. My students call it "Five Bucks Day".

Since each First Nations individual is required to show up in person to receive their annuity, most of the workplaces on the Rez are closed. Therefore, we have no school. There are two treaty days a year, one in October and one in May.

The point is, we have a day together as a family. We were planning to head into town to get a few errands done that need to be completed during business hours; plates for the trailer, new driver's licence photo for me, etc. We hoped the skies would clear enough for a picnic and some play time in the park, too. However, when I got home from my run (in the rain) I was greeted with the news that Fi has the runs.

We're staying home.

Just the thought of an hour in the car each way with a small child who will likely need to stop to use a tree several times gives me chills. It just isn't worth getting those errands done. They will have to wait for a payday Friday.

So, no we have an open day. The weather is wet, grey and miserable - a canoe ride is out, as are bike rides and a hike. It looks like we are staying inside too. Hmmm, what is in the craft box?