Tribal elders, historians, researchers, teachers, and students will gather Wednesday, August 13, through Friday, August 15, at Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie for in-depth discussions to interpret the treaties that affect local tribal members.

Keynote speakers include Anishinaabe Elder Eddie Benton-Benai, who will relate the Creation Story and participate in panel discussions, and Anishinaabe Elder Fred Kelly, who will present a treaty overview. Pipecarrier Bucko Teeple will serve as moderator.

Hosted by the Anishinaabeg Joint Commission (AJC), the event is sponsored the AJC's four member tribes, Batchewana First Nation, Bay Mills Indian Community, Garden River First Nation, and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, in cooperation with the Center for the Study of Indigenous Border Issues. The summit is also being sponsored by the Chiefs of Ontario.

The summit is free to attend and registration is required. The event is designed to be of interest to tribal people, area law enforcement, border patrol, customs and immigration, border communities, legislators, and other government officials.

To register, go to the event Web site at www.livingtreaties.com; or call (906) 635-6050. Native artisans and vendors should call (906) 632- 7494 to inquire about participating.

Concurrent workshops and panel discussions will run daily in the afternoons. Presentations will include the Anishinaabeg Creation Story, the Proclamation of 1763, and subsequent treaties made with both the United States and Canada. The organizers plan to publish a book containing a number of expanded versions of the presented papers and posters. The summit will offer an interactive treaty timeline that may be added to by participants that will also be preserved following the event.

Daily summit activities are sunrise ceremonies and opening prayer, workshops, panel discussions, and a teaching lodge.

Wednesday opening ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. A welcome reception will take place in the Dreammaker's Ballroom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Eddie Benton will relate the creation story at 10 a.m., followed by a lunch concurrent with speakers. Thursday night will include music and dancing in the ballroom with an open invitation to those who want to join in and play their acoustic instruments.

Friday, participants will travel to Sugar Island for a border crossing and treaty signing in Garden River, followed by a traditional feast at the Garden River Powwow.

Creation of the AJC was mandated by a treaty signed by the four tribes in November 2006 to strive for the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the waters of the St. Marys River ecosystem.