Illustration by Charles Hebert.

Did you know that Canada and Ontario would not exist without treaties? 

Treaty Recognition is an annual week of observance starting November 1 to November 7. During this week, Ontarians are encouraged to educate themselves about the importance of treaties and how we can honour treaty relationships.  Treaties are contracts set between the First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. The quote, “We are all treaty people” means that Canada and Ontario have a responsibility to honour the Treaties and live up to our commitments to the Indigenous community. 

Treaties created between the Crown and First Nations Peoples promised Indigenous peoples benefits in education, land, health, economic aid, and provisions. Treaties were intended to create a peaceful relationship where both parties grew and supported each other. This relationship failed as the Crown got greedy and refused to honour the Treaties. The Indian Act of 1927 further prevented First Nations from bringing about land claims and fighting back. It took over 50 years before treaties finally received constitutional protection. MPP Sol Mamakwa of the Kingfisher First Nation says, “When we talk about reconciliation, honouring our treaty relationships is key to moving forward in a respectful way.” Treaty recognition week is an opportunity for all Canadians to participate in reigniting the spirit of allyship and mutual aid, which the treaties are built upon. It is important to recognize that we are on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples and learning about treaties is the responsibility of settlers. To learn more about treaties, check out https://www.ontario.ca/page/treaties-recognition-week for future events and more information.

Meegwetch! (“Thank you” in the Algonquin language)

Works Cited

James Murray, et al. “Treaty Recognition Week in Ontario.” NetNewsLedger, 1 Nov. 2021, http://www.netnewsledger.com/2021/11/01/treaty-recognition-week-in-ontario/.

Switzer, Maurice H., et al. We Are All … Treaty People. Union of Ontario Indians, 2015.