Treaties Recognition Week
November 6-12, 2022
Treaties matter to everyone in Canada; we are all Treaty People. They represent a mutual and legally binding commitment to building a prosperous future for everybody. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities have a responsibility of knowing and upholding Treaty obligations. It is important to remember that treaties are as much a part of today as when they were made, often referred to as living documents.
Learning and Teaching Activities
(extracted from: https://facingcanada.facinghistory.org/treaties-recognition-week )
- Student-facing lesson: Explore the purpose & importance of territorial acknowledgements.
- Student-facing lesson: Learn about The Dish With One Spoon Wampum and the role and significance of nation to nation agreement.
- Online Course: Many people think of treaty rights as “special” Indigenous rights however, all people living in Canada are treaty people with their own set of rights and responsibilities. Learn more about treaties through We Are All Treaty People
- Mini-activity: What is the role of an apology after harm and wrongdoing? Read this article on the Williams Treaties and the Government of Canada’s 2018 apology regarding the 1923 Williams Treaties. Have students consider: What can an apology accomplish as a means of moving toward justice and reconciliation? What else needs to happen?
- Explore this Historica Canada educator guide that includes a timeline, images, activities and a case study for students to engage with.
(extracted from: https://www.ontario.ca/page/teaching-and-learning-resources )
- Historica Canada’s Treaties in Canada Education Guide (PDF) has discussion topics, including Indigenous oral traditions, a historical timeline of treaties and case studies
- EduGAINS has Ontario Ministry of Education-developed resources.
Indigenous partner resources
- Anishinabek Nation's We Are All Treaty People kit has lesson plans, activities and books for grades 1-8
- Anishinabek Nation’s learning resources
- Anishinabek Nation’s Gdoo-Sastamoo Kii Mi treaty-related curriculum resources
Supporting materials
- Treaties in Ontario infographic (PDF) shows the number of treaties in Ontario, the regions they cover and the populations within treaty areas
- Canadian Encyclopedia’s Treaties with Indigenous Peoples in Canada
- Historica Canada’s Naskumituwin (Treaty) Heritage Minute about Treaty No. 9 from the perspective of George Spence, a Cree hunter from Fort Albany
- Historic treaties and treaty First Nations in Canada infographic
- Archives of Ontario James Bay Treaty virtual exhibit
Maps
- Learn about the treaties that cover where you live, go to school or work in Ontario using this interactive map and Native-Land.ca.
- Ontario treaties and reserves allows you to search for a city, address or postal code to find nearby treaties and reserves in Ontario
- Ontario First Nations and treaties map (PDF) shows treaty locations in Ontario. Order a copy for the classroom for free from Publications Ontario. A downloadable version (Publication #: 027005_U) and a printed version (Publication #: 027005) are available.
- Maps of Treaty-Making in Canada shows the Pre-1975 treaties of Canada, covering most of Ontario and negotiated between 1725 and 1923
- Algonquins of Ontario settlement area boundary map (PDF) shows the largest land claim currently being negotiated and the province’s first modern-day treaty
- A map of Indigenous Trail Markers shows 25 educational markers honouring the culture and history of Indigenous peoples along the TransCanada Trail
Children’s books
- Crawford, Kelly. Alex Shares His Wampum Belt. Illustrated by Don Chretien. North Bay: Union of Ontario Indians, 2017.
- Crawford, Kelly. Dakota Talks About Treaties. Illustrated by Don Chretien. North Bay: Union of Ontario Indians, 2017.
- Misiak, Zig. Wampum: The Story of Shaylyn the Clam. Illustrated by Jennifer Bettio. Brantford: Real Peoples History, 2015.
- Robertson, Robbie. Hiawatha and the Peacemaker. Illustrated by David Shannon. New York: Abrams Books, 2015.
- Switzer, Maurice. We are all Treaty People. Illustrated by Charley Hebert. North Bay: Union of Ontario Indians, 2011
GRADE 7 and 8 Teaching Resource Guide
NNDSB Sway
- Although not recently updated, it does have a curated selection of resources. Near the end of the sway is the section on Treaties.
https://sway.office.com/6v4BmKqL1Rn5lA4h?ref=Link
Videos
- Hear Indigenous speakers share their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario.
- K-8 educators: Use this interactive learning resource from Anishinabek Nation for students to better understand & discuss treaties, agreements and promises.
- Learn more about how Idle No More resists unfair treaty terms and calls on all people to join a peaceful revolution to honour Indigenous sovereignty and to protect the land, water and sky.
- Videos of Indigenous speakers sharing their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario
Youtube
- Treaties with Indigenous peoples in Canada, explained | CBC Kids News
- Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada | Canada is ...
- Treaty Week, Reconciliation & Self-Education
- Treaty Relationships- A Reading
- "In Our Words" - Understanding Treaties (1 of 8 video series)
- We Are All Treaty People - Parts 1 to 4 Full Book