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This article was published 9/3/2016 (1654 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA — The federal Liberal government will not be renewing the appointment of Manitoba Treaty Commissioner James Wilson, the Free Press has learned.

Wilson was appointed almost six years ago and reappointed twice. His current two-year term expires March 31.

Several weeks ago, a source in the office of Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said the fact the position hadn’t been announced at that point should not be read as an indication Wilson wasn't going to be renewed. However, Tuesday, the answer from Bennett’s office was different.

"The term of the current commissioner ends on March 31, 2016," spokeswoman Michelle Perron wrote in an email.

Wilson hasn’t been given any information about his job status after the end of the month. When the Free Press told him of the INAC response Tuesday he responded with a sigh.

"It's pretty easy to see the writing on the wall," he said.

Ottawa announced the creation of treaty commissions in 2000, and the Manitoba office was established in 2005. The objective is to produce research on existing treaties and develop education programs for schools and the public.

Since being named commissioner in 2010, Wilson helped guide the development of a school curriculum on treaties, which he says is in demand now. He also worked on getting an agreement between the commission and the University of Manitoba to get treaty education into the school, including seminars for students and workshops for faculty to incorporate treaty awareness into their teaching.

Wilson said he has no idea why his appointment isn't being renewed, but added he has suspicions it may be a political decision. Wilson was appointed by the previous Conservative government. And in 2009, he unsuccessfully sought the Tory nomination in Churchill.

But he said he has not been involved in party politics in his role as commissioner.

"I've really tried to be non-partisan," he said.

It also appears there was some friction over Wilson's reappointment in 2014 between the previous Conservative government and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. The commissioner is supposed to be jointly chosen by the government and the AMC, but in 2014 Wilson's reappointment was decided by the government alone, without AMC input. This time, the AMC is pushing back and insisting on being part of the process.

Manitoba Chambers of Commerce president Chuck Davidson said it is "unfortunate" Wilson isn't being renewed.

"He's done such a good job in raising the bar with the business community," said Davidson. "He was a key partner with us." Davidson said the work Wilson did to bridge ties between Manitoba's indigenous community and the business community is invaluable.

"The profile he was raising will be difficult for whoever the next individual is to match," Davidson said.

Niigaan Sinclair, department head of native studies at the University of Manitoba, said it's common for new governments to not renew political appointments made by their predecessors.

"That being said, Jamie has done a very good job," Sinclair said.

As for a replacement, things are murky.

One source said the government and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs have a candidate in mind and there might be an announcement as early as next week. Bennett's office won't tip its hand, however.

"We are working to determine next steps in the process of appointing a commissioner, which will include collaboration and discussions with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs," Perron said. "In the meantime, the independent commission will continue to operate under the guidance of its management team and continue its important work to raise public awareness of pre-1975 treaties."

The job comes with a salary of between $198,000 and $233,000. The office has a budget of about $1.5 million, and currently has four full-time staff and four or five contract staff, said Wilson.

Prior to being appointed, Wilson worked as a teacher and served as a Ranger with U.S. military special operations. He is a well-known expert on indigenous education, and has a masters degree in education. Wilson said he intends to continue his work whether or not he is the treaty commissioner.

"There's a lot of exciting opportunities especially in the economic development area," he said. "I'll continue doing the same work."

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca