Today, Monday, November 6, 2023, marks the beginning of Treaties Recognition Week across Ontario.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs say Treaties Recognition Week is an annual opportunity to reflect on the importance of the more than 40 treaties and other agreements covering this province, outlining the rights, responsibilities and relationships between Indigenous peoples and the provincial and federal governments.
“Since 2016, Ontario has acknowledged Treaties Recognition Week as the first full week of November following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action,” Rickford stated in a media release.
“A critical step on the path to reconciliation involves education, and the Ontario government is working with Indigenous and education partners to promote treaty awareness events in schools and public libraries across the province and continuing to expand the teaching and learning resources to support businesses, organizations and all people in Ontario.”
Rickford added: “I encourage everyone to learn and deepen our understanding of the role treaties play in our province, our lives and relationships with each other, bringing us all closer to our goal of achieving meaningful reconciliation.”
The St. Clair Catholic District School Board is observing Treaties Recognition Week all week.
Catholic school board officials say each year during the first week of November, Ontarians observe Treaties Recognition Week to honour the importance of treaties and help students and the people of Ontario learn more about treaty rights and relationships.
Throughout the week of November 6-11, staff and students across every Catholic school in the district will engage in first-hand in-person learning experiences with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, with a focus on identity, place, and diversity.
Students will learn more deeply through story, song, art and connections with the land and local communities.
In addition to in-person connections, staff and students will also participate in treaty-focused virtual learning opportunities, as they develop better understandings and appreciation of treaties, histories, perspectives and our relationships with one another and with creation.
The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is also observing Treaties Recognition Week from November 5-11, promoting education and awareness of treaty rights and relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
“The LKDSB has an incredibly passionate team that is committed to working with Indigenous communities throughout the entire school year,” said Director John Howitt, in a meida release.
“Through their collaborative efforts, we are able to provide educational opportunities that honour the cultures of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people to our students, not just during this important week, not just during Indigenous Education Month each November, but all year long. We are so grateful for these relationships that provide ongoing opportunities, as there is so very much to learn as we take steps towards truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”
Learn more, here.
