Treaties Recognition Week
Treaties Recognition Week honours the importance of Treaties and helps Ontario students and residents understand the significance of Treaty rights, Treaty relationships and their relevance today.
Treaties Recognition Week
In 2016, Ontario passed the first legislation of its kind in Canada declaring the first full week of November as Treaties Recognition Week.
This year, Treaties Recognition Week is November 2-8, 2025.
This annual event honours the importance of Treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about Treaty rights and relationships. By learning more about our collective Treaty rights and obligations, we can create greater understanding and nurture relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Treaties Recognition Week represents one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The week was launched in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (PDF) to increase Treaty awareness and provide students and the public with an important opportunity to learn why treaties matter.
Treaty teaching and learning resources
- Learn about the role Treaties play in all our lives and relationships with each other.
- Don’t forget to check out the Treaty teaching and learning resources.
- Find out about Anishinabek Nation’s learning resources.
Play the video to learn what students say about Treaties Recognition Week.
Videos: Indigenous voices on Treaties
Watch videos of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers highlighting the importance of Treaties, Treaty relationships and Treaty rights in Ontario. Use the videos to promote learning about Treaties in your organization or classroom.
Maurice Switzer on reconciliation and treaty recognition
Maurice Switzer delivers presentations on Treaty recognition as a key element of the reconciliation process and talks about issues related to the Williams Treaty.
2025 Treaties Recognition Week events
To have an event featured here and on our social media channels, please email us to let us know.
For an event or activity to be listed, it must:
- support Treaties education and awareness
- be open to the public (either in-person or virtually)
Note: The topics and content presented during the external partner events below do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation or the Government of Ontario.
Date | Time (EST) | Event description | Event type | Location | Host organization |
| September 15 to December 31, 2025 | N/A | “Talking About Treaty 29” – St. Marys Museum – Exhibit Beginning September 15, the St. Marys Museum will present an exhibit titled Talking About Treaty 29, which explores the origins and implications of Treaty 29, also known as the Huron Tract Purchase of 1827. This exhibit offers historical context on the development of treaties and examines how the enduring rights and responsibilities associated with Treaty 29 continue to shape the region now known as St. Marys. The exhibit will be available for public viewing during regular Museum hours through December 2025. | In-Person/Exhibit | St. Marys Museum | St. Marys Museum |
| October 28 to November 08, 2025 | N/A | Treaty Canoe on display at Leddy Library - Exhibit This year the Treaty Canoe by artist Alex McKay will be on display in the Student Research Collaboratory at Leddy Library. The library invites you to explore a variety of resources this week to learn more about treaties and the land that you live, work and gather on. From print to electronic books, primary archival resources, online videos and even physical replicas of existing treaties in the form of wampum belts, a form of treaty used in 1600’s to establish relationships between certain Indigenous communities and early European settlers. | In-Person/Exhibit | Student Research Collaboratory, Leddy Library | University of Windsor |
| November 1, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. | Cultural Awareness Presentation: Treaties History – Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre In recognition of Treaties Recognition Week (November 2–8), the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre is pleased to host a compelling presentation exploring the shared Treaty rights and responsibilities that shape relationships within the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory. This educational session, grounded in Indigenous knowledge and traditions, will be led by Trish Nadjiwon Meekins, an Anishnaabe woman from the Chippewas of Nawash (Neyaashiinigmiing) and a member of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the historical and contemporary significance of Treaties, fostering greater cultural awareness and understanding. | In-Person | Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre | Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre |
| November 3 to November 11, 2025 | Treaties Recognition Week - Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin (RHW), in partnership with Laurentian University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG), will host Treaties Recognition Week 2025 this November in N'Swakamok (Sudbury) and Baawating (Sault Ste. Marie). As we reflect on 175 years since the signing of the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850, this year's theme, Anishinaabe Relationship and Responsibility to Creation, invites us to renew our relationships with Creation, one another and ourselves. | In-Person | Contact: Tristen@waawiindamaagewin.com | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin | |
| November 4, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. | Honouring Treaties Recognition Week Chatham-Kent Public Library (Chatham, ON) is honoured to welcome guest speaker Dean M. Jacobs, who brings over five decades of public service dedicated to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN), during Treaties Recognition Week. His presentation will explore the pre-Confederation Treaties between the British Imperial Crown and the ancestors of Walpole Island, while addressing the path toward Truth & Reconciliation through mutual trust and respect. Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome to attend this free presentation. Don’t miss this powerful and insightful evening. | In-person | Chatham Public Library 120 Queen Street, Chatham, ON N7M 2G6, Chatham, ON N7M 2G6 | Chatham-Kent Public Library |
| November 4, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. | Treaty Talk – Anishinabek Nation Livestream Presentation The Anishinabek Nation invites the public to join a livestream presentation on the Anishinabek Nation YouTube Channel, taking place on November 4, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. This session will explore the battles that occurred in Anishinaabe Aaking during the Beaver Wars, as well as the historical context surrounding the Treaty of Peace of 1701. The presentation will also include a deeper discussion on the experiences of Anishinaabe ancestors prior to the establishment of the Dish with Many Ladles Wampum Belt and the Eternal Council Fire Wampum Belt. The event will feature Clayton King of Beausoleil First Nation. To participate, tune into the Anishinabek Nation YouTube Channel. | Online | Anishinabek Nation YouTube Channel Anishinabek Nation - YouTube | Anishinabek Nation |
| November 5, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. | Treaties Recognition Week and International Inuit Day 2025 – Law Society of Ontario The Law Society of Ontario invites the public to attend its annual program in recognition of Treaties Recognition Week and International Inuit Day. This free virtual event will offer an opportunity to reflect on the significance of treaties and Inuit contributions to law and society.To receive the webcast link and additional details, registration is required. | Online | N/A | Law Society of Ontario |
| November 6, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. | Treaty Talks with Tomorrow’s Leaders Join the conversation! In collaboration with Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig presents Treaty Talks with Tomorrow's Leaders inviting students to learn, share and connect through Treaty education, stories and language. | Online/In-Person | White Pines Collegiate & Vocational School, 1007 Trunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig |
| November 7, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. | Songs and Puppetry in Anishinaabemowin In collaboration with Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig presents Puppetry in Anishinaabemowin. A special presentation for elementary students (JK-Grade 7) by Professor John-Paul Chalykoff of Algoma University inviting students to learn, share and connect through Treaty education, stories and language. | Online/In-Person | 7 Shingwauk Street, Garden River, Ontario | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig |
| November 7, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. | Treaties Recognition Week: Mtigwaaki Trail Walk – University of Guelph In honour of Treaties Recognition Week, students, staff, and faculty at the University of Guelph are invited to participate in a guided walk along the Mtigwaaki Trail, organized by the university’s Student Centre. The Mtigwaaki Trail was developed in collaboration with Anishinaabe Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Anishinaabe environmental scientists, and reflects a deep respect for Indigenous perspectives on land and stewardship. Participants will depart from the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) at 10:45 a.m. and convene at the Arboretum Kiosk at 11:00 a.m. to begin the walk. | In-Person | The Arboretum, University of Guelph | University of Guelph |