Treaties Recognition Week

Treaties Recognition Week
Posted on 10/27/2022
Treaties Recognition Week

Each November, Treaties Recognition Week provides an opportunity for everyone in Ontario to learn more about and recognize the importance of treaty rights and relationships. 

Treaties are the legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements, like land purchases made by the Crown. However, treaty-making preceded North American settlement: Indigenous Nations had Treaty Agreements with one another before Europeans arrived. 

Treaties matter to everyone in Canada; we are all Treaty People. They represent a mutual 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. 

As you may know, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s schools and administrative buildings are located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. But what does “unceded” mean, and how does it relate to treaties? Per Canada’s Constitution, unceded territory means the Aboriginal Title to the area has not been surrendered by an Indigenous nation or acquired by the Crown. Therefore in the Ottawa area where we live and attend school, the Crown does not hold title to the land and there is no land cession treaty. The Algonquin Anishinaabeg remain stewards of the lands, though the Supreme Court of Canada disputes this. Learn more in this report, particularly beginning on page 16. 

Learn more about Treaties: 

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