November 1 – 7 is Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. This annual observance honours the importance of treaties and helps students and the general public learn more about treaty rights and obligations.
“Learning about treaties helps to foster a greater awareness and understanding of our Indigenous partners in Ontario,” says Deb Crawford, Director of Education. “Through knowledge and by building an understanding of these agreements we are furthering our relationships with our First Nations neighbours.”
At a special presentation to the Board of Trustees in advance of Treaties Recognition Week, Moses Lunham, an acclaimed artist from the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, presented to the Board a beautiful piece of artwork, which was created during a live summit in recognition the National Indigenous Peoples History month last June.
“This beautiful work of art is a fitting reminder of the messages of unity, peace, love and hope that were expressed during our National Indigenous Peoples Day Summit last June,” says Mrs. Crawford. “We will proudly display it at the Catholic Education Centre as a memento of that day and of the great partnership we have with our First Nations communities.”
Several live events are planned for students in Grades K to 12 throughout Treaties Recognition Week. Some highlights are:
| Monday, November 2 | • Relationships with the Land and the Environment • Biindigaygizhig Danny Deleary, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation • Grades K-12 |
| Monday, November 2 | • Exploring Significant Events and Impacts Between Indigenous Nations, the British Crown and Canada • Isaac Murdoch, Serpent River Nation • Grades 5-8 |
| Tuesday, November 3 | • Impacts of Treaties Today and Treaty Relationships • Chief Jason Henry, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation • Grades 5-12 |
| Wednesday, November 4 | • Storytelling and the Land • Moses Lunham, artist, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation • Grades K-6 |
| Wednesday, November 4 | • Wampum Belts • David Plain, author and historian from Aamjiwnaang First Nation leads a discussion about treaty relationships and stories connected to wampum belts. • Grades 5-12 |
| Thursday, November 5 | • Treaties as Promises: A Hands on Experience • Cecil Isaac, Elder from Bkejwanong Territory leads a reflection about relationships as promises. • Grades 3-8 |
| Thursday, November 5 | • Treaty Misinformed. • Isaac Murdoch, Serpent River First Nation explores a true history of what happened and how Canada assumed jurisdiction of Indigenous lands. • Grade 9-12 |
| Thursday, November 5 | • Local Treaties • David Plain, author and historian from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, leads a discussion about local treaties of our surrounding area. • Grades 5-12 |
| Friday, November 6 | • Paint Lesson • Moses Lunham, artist and storyteller from Kettle and Stony point First Nation leads a reflection and art lesson on the theme: We Are All Treaty People. • Grades 3-8 |
| Friday, November 6 | • Live Living Library Series • TRW Ontario hosts a virtual event exploring the theme of We Are All Treaty People. • Panelists – Maurice Switzer and Robert Greene |
In addition, on Tuesday, November 3 Cecil Isaac, Elder from Bkejwanong Territory, along with Deb and Barry Milliken, Elders from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, will lead an evening reflection for Youth Leadership, about relationships and roles. Registration is now available on the Board website.
“I wish to thank all of our Indigenous partners for this impressive lineup of live events for our students throughout Treaties Recognition Week,” says Mrs. Crawford.