Nov. 3-9 marks Treaties Recognition Week

Nov. 3 to 9 marks Treaties Recognition Week across the province of Ontario. The annual event honours the importance of Treaties and seeks to educate students and Ontarians of all ages on Treaty rights and responsibilities.

Treaties are binding, nation-to-nation agreements, which existed long before colonization, but which were mutually beneficial. Following European colonization, the Crown gained access to land and resources in exchange for promises to Indigenous Peoples that they would have access to healthy food, health care, education, and infrastructure.  

“Unfortunately, Ontario and Canada have never made good on our obligations under the treaties. Far too many First Nations communities do not have access to safe drinking water, adequate health care, decent housing, or high-quality education,” MPP for Ottawa West – Nepean, Chandra Pasma, said in statement on the week.

Treaties Recognition Week represents one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The province launched the first legislation of its kind in Canada in 2016, responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

A list of events to honour the week can be found on the Government of Ontario website.