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 5-11, 2023.
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 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.
Listen to what students say they learn from 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.
2022 Treaties Recognition Week events in Ontario
Find a Treaties Recognition Week event offered by partners from the list below. Events were offered in English only.
Please 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 or the Government of Ontario.
| Date | Time (EST) | Event description and registration | Event type | Location | Host organization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-11-05 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Attend the annual memorial and reconciliation service to remember Indigenous soldiers who courageously helped secure victory at pivotal events throughout the War of 1812 to secure freedom for all Canadians. The event will also touch on the Covenant Chain and treaty making between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. | In-person | 14184 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 | Niagara Parks |
| 2022-11-07 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Learn about the treaty work we are doing at Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin! Check out the Launch of our Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Treaty Magazine Daagwaagin 2022! We will also be unveiling our new Waawiindamaagewin Flag! We will also be launching our Treaty Store with our community partner Green Medicine in Nipissing First Nation. | Virtual | Virtual | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-07 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Launch of Gdoo-Sastamoo Kii Mi: This is our Understanding Join Anishinabek Nation for the launch of their new secondary school online education resource for everyone! — Gdoo-Sastamoo Kii Mi: This is our Understanding | Virtual | Virtual | Anishinabek Nation |
| 2022-11-07 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Please join us for Treaties Recognition Week with guest speaker Tracey O’Donnell, Advancing First Nation Inherent Jurisdiction. For more information on this event and other events visit our website https://www.lakeheadu.ca/indigenous/events | Virtual | Virtual | Lakehead University |
| 2022-11-07 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | See the original written document of Treaty No. 9 Visit the Archives of Ontario for a rare opportunity to see the original written document of Treaty No. 9 — the James Bay Treaty from 1905-1906 that covers roughly two-thirds of Ontario. | In-person | Archives of Ontario, 134 Ian Macdonald Blvd., Toronto ON M7A 2C5 | Archives of Ontario |
| 2022-11-07 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | The Spiritual Side of Treaties Join the Office of Indigenous Relations in welcoming Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry as he shares teachings about treaties, wampum belts and the spiritual meaning behind treaty relationships. All are welcome and encouraged! | Virtual and in-person | University of Waterloo LHI 1621 (Sunlife Auditorium) 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo ON N2L 3G1 | University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations |
| 2022-11-07 | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Stories of the Treaties with Darin Wybenga The Mississaugas of the Credit are the treaty partners of the Town of Oakville, and the current Town is located on Treaty #14 and Treaty #22 lands. This virtual session is an opportunity to learn more about the Mississaugas of the Credit and discover the stories of the treaties themselves from Darin Wybenga, MCFN. | Virtual | Virtual | Oakville Public Library |
| 2022-11-08 | 8:45 - 9:00 a.m. | Let's Start our Day in a Good Way – Anishinaabemowin Noongwa: Ke-Miigwechwenmaadaa! Nokomis Martina will start us off in a good way with our beautiful language. Chimiigwech Nokomis | Virtual and in-person | 385 Haig Street – Lower Caruso, Sudbury ON P3C 1C5 | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-08 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Our Ogimaak-Kwe (Women Chiefs) will discuss their roles in leadership in our communities. The discussion will be facilitated by Valerie Richer (former Ogimaak-Kwe of Atikameksheng Anishinawbek). | Virtual and in-person | 385 Haig Street – Lower Caruso, Sudbury ON P3C1C5 | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-08 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Our youth will discuss the importance of inherent rights and responsibilities, discuss projects they are involved in and share their voices for meaningful engagement with youth in our Treaty. The discussion will be facilitated by Quinn Meawasige (Ginaabaajing) and will feature youth Robear Assiniwe (Sagamok Anishinabek), Kiley George (Nipissing), Kiara Genereaux (Sheshegwaning), Kaleb Meawasige (Ginaabaajing) and Caeley Genereaux (Sheshegwaning). | Virtual and in-person | 385 Haig Street – Lower Caruso, Sudbury ON P3C1C5 | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-08 | 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Anishinaabe Scholar Josh Manitowabi will share about his research work regarding Anishinaabe relationships and understandings with the British Crown. | Virtual and in-person | 385 Haig Street – Lower Caruso, Sudbury ON P3C1C5 | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-08 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Treaties Recognition Week and International Inuit Day 2022 Join the Law Society of Ontario’s event featuring teachings from Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers, as well as insights from guest speakers on the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today. Speakers will also address International Inuit Day, which falls on November 7, and is an opportunity to celebrate the richness and resilience of diverse Inuit cultures. | Virtual | Virtual | Law Society of Ontario |
| 2022-11-08 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Speaker Series information session with MCFN Knowledge Holder Margaret Sault exploring & understanding our history, responsibilities and rights as Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Peoples of our Treaties and Territory. | In-person | 659 New Credit Rd, Hagersville ON N0A 1H0 | Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation |
| 2022-11-09 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Treaty Talks with Tomorrows Leaders (Secondary School Students and Teachers) Our Ogimaa Nootchtai, Ogimaa Pawis and Ogimaa Toulouse will be LIVE from St. Charles College in Sudbury, Ontario. They will be talking Treaty and taking questions from students and classrooms. Feel free to email in any questions you may have ahead of time! Cheryl@waawiindamaagewin.com | Virtual | Virtual | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-09 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Treaty Talks with Tomorrows Leaders (Elementary School Students and Teachers) Join our Ogimaa Rickard of Garden Rivera and Ogimaa Chiblow of MIssissaugi as they go LIVE from White Pines Secondary School in Sault Ste Marie. They will be talking treaty and taking questions from students and classrooms! Feel free to email in any questions you may have ahead of time! Cheryl@waawiindamaagewin.com | Virtual | Virtual | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-09 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Please join us for Treaties Recognition week with Sara Mainville, LLP. For more information on this event and other events please visit our website https://www.lakeheadu.ca/indigenous/events | Virtual | Virtual | Lakehead University |
| 2022-11-09 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Treaty Talks with Tomorrows Leaders (Elementary School Students and Teachers) Our Ogimaa Nootchtai, Ogimaa Pawis and Ogimaa Toulouse will be LIVE from St. Benedicts Secondary School talking treaty and talking questions from students! Feel free to email in any questions you may have ahead of time! Cheryl@waawiindamaagewin.com | Virtual | Virtual | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-09 | 12:50 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. | Treaty Talks with Tomorrows Leaders (Secondary School Students and Teachers) Our Ogimaa Rickard, from Garden River, and Ogimaa Chiblow, from Mississaugi, will be LIVE from White Pines talking Treaty and taking questions from students. Feel free to email in any questions you may have ahead of time! Cheryl@waawiindamaagewin.com | Virtual | Virtual | Robinson Huron |
| 2022-11-09 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | The Two Row Wampum, Haldimand Deed, and Grand River Tract Join the Office of Indigenous Relations in welcoming Associate Professor and Author Rick Monture as he shares teachings about the Two Row Wampum, the Haldimand Deed, and the Grand River Tract. This is a must-see free Zoom webinar, intended on educating and informing perspectives of treaty people in this territory. All are welcome and encouraged! | Virtual | Virtual | University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations |
| 2022-11-09 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Treaty as Critical Political Consciousness with Dr. Gina Starblanket Dr. Starblanket’s research includes Indigenous political orders and Indigenous movements toward political transformation, as well as the politics of treaty implementation. Dr. Starblanket’s talk will be sure to cause reflection on our responsibilities, as citizens, to these lands. | Virtual | Virtual | Seven Generations Education Institute |
| 2022-11-10 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Debwewin Play/Debwewin Damnowin presented by Shkagamik-kwe health Centre Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre will present their play Debwewin as part of Robinson Huron Treaty Week. Limited seating. Please arrive and be seated by 10:45 a.m. Miigwech | In-person | Place Des Arts, 27 Larch Street, Sudbury ON P3E 1B7 | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-10 | 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Elder Mike Bisson will share with us teachings of the water drum. Everyone welcome! Miigwech Mike | Virtual and in-person | Council Chambers, City Hall, 200 Brady Street, Sudbury ON P3E 1B7 | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-10 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Our Elders Corner will close up our Treaty Week Events. Our Elders will share teaching, knowledge and perspectives on restoring the balance in our treaty relationships. | Virtual and in-person | Council Chambers, City Hall, 200 Brady Street, Sudbury ON P3E 1B7 | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |
| 2022-11-07 | 4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. | Maani Elliott will share Grandmother teachings with us. Miigwech Maani, everyone welcome! | Virtual and in-person | Council Chambers, City Hall, 200 Brady Street, Sudbury ON P3E 1B7 | Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin |