Created by the School of Education
Treaties between the British Crown (government) and the original occupants of this land were negotiated and signed with the intent of delivering mutual benefits. Indigenous people signed as independent, self-governing nations. Despite the promise of early treaties and the respectful partnerships they established, Indigenous Peoples were targeted by colonial policies designed to exploit, assimilate and eradicate them.
Today, the Ontario government recognizes the wrongs of previous generations. It has made a commitment to changing the future by rebuilding relationships based on trust and respect. Part of that commitment includes educating Ontarians about the role treaties play in each of our lives and in our relationships with each other. Though they were signed more than a century ago, treaty commitments are just as valid today as they were then. Every Ontarian is a treaty person.
Treaties Recognition Week was introduced in 2016 to honour the importance of treaties and to help Ontarians learn more about treaty rights and treaty relationships.
| Download Treaties Information Package for Educators |