First Nation, Métis, and Inuit SCCDSB Knowledge Buidling

Treaties Recognition Week

November 3 - 9, 2025

St. Clair Catholic District School Board Acknowledgement of Ancestral Lands

We are thankful for the Creator’s gift of Mother Earth, providing everything we need for life: air, water, land, and all of Creation. We acknowledge that this land, surrounded by water, on which we are gathered today is part of the ancestral land of the Anishinaabeg and the Lunaapeewak. Together, as treaty people, we have a shared responsibility to act with respect for the environment, protecting the future for those generations to come.

Language Pronunciations Anishinaabeg (ah-nish-i-nah-beg) Lunaapeewak (le-naw-powuk)

Artwork by Cedric Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory

Sparking Inquiry with Questions

The following questions have been created using the curriculum expectations to frame classroom thinking around treaty education across all grade levels.

What is my relationship with the land?
What are different perspectives and how do they impact me today?
How can I raise awareness?
What are my responsibilities?

What is the significance of the Two Row Wampum?
What is the significance of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Treaty?
How might differing interpretations of treaties affect Indigenous communities in the present day?

Primary Junior:

What can I learn from the stories connected to the wampum belts?
What are the different viewpoints of land use and how does this impact the environment?
How do my actions today impact the future?

Junior

What are the different perspectives of those that entered into treaties?
What are the different viewpoints of land use and ownership?
How do my actions today impact the future?
How can I ensure I am upholding my treaty responsibilities?

Intermediate:

What treaties cover the area I live in?
What rights and responsibilities are detailed in the treaties?
Are there any land claims in my area?
As an individual what are my treaty responsibilities?
What actions can I take to ensure I am upholding my treaty responsibilities?
What role does the government play as treaty signatories and in land claims?
How can I create awareness of treaties and/or land claims in my area?

Senior

What is my role in reconciliation?
What historical experiences do diverse First Nations share in their Nation to Nation dealings with the Crown over time? Why is this important today?
How can I produce information for others to learn what it means to be a treaty person?

Understanding Treaties

Understanding Treaties - Go For a Walk with Niigaan Sinclair

Treaties Recognition Week was introduced to honour the importance of treaties and to help Ontarians learn more about treaty rights and treaty relationships.

Every Ontarian is a treaty person

Most of Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements, such as land purchases by the Crown signed between 1781 and 1930

First Nations had their own process of Treaty-making that had existed for thousands of years

Treaties are legal agreements between two or more nations

Treaty-making preceded North American settlement.

Treaty outlines the terms, relationship and conditions of settlement in Indigenous Territories.

Both Settler and Indigenous Nations have a responsibility for knowing and upholding the Treaty obligations.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes, “the urgent need to respect and promote the rights of Indigenous peoples affirmed in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements with States”

(First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Association of Ontario)

Did You Know?

Ontario.ca has a series of virtual Living Library videos, treaty maps, and learning resources for elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students, and the broader public across the province: Ontario.ca/Treaties (English) and Ontario.ca/Traites (French) and Interactive Maps

Here are some highlights of resources to connect with:

Elementary Curriculum Guide (English) (French)

Secondary Guide (accompanying hands on kit, Gdoo-sastamoo kii mi, is in your school)

Treaty Teaching and Learning Resources – compiled by the Government of Ontario, these educational resources include learning materials developed by First Nations partners and a curriculum guide to help teachers connect treaty education to Ontario’s elementary school curriculum.

Video Resources along with discussion guides:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/videos-indigenous-voices-treaties and https://www.ontario.ca/fr/page/videos-perspectives-autochtones-sur-les-traites#section-0

In these videos, Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers from across Ontario share their perspectives on the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and treaty rights in Ontario. Below are some suggestions for grade-specific videos that include a worksheet to help guide discussion in your classroom. Scroll up and down on the site for more videos.

Early Years: Chad Solomon (and Rabbit) on what is a promise | Worksheet - Chad Solomon video (French descriptive video and French worksheet)

Grades 1 - 6: Maurice Switzer on what is a treaty anyway | Worksheet – Maurice Switzer video (French descriptive video and French worksheet)

Grade 9 Geography: Bentley Cheechoo on becoming a treaty Knowledge Keeper | Worksheet – Bentley Cheechoo video (French descriptive video and French worksheet)

Grade 10 Civics and Citizenship: Robert Greene on how treaties affect all aspects of life | Worksheet – Robert Green video (French descriptive video and French worksheet)

French video resources for elementary & secondary

Treaty Week Board Wide Learning ...

... Learning Local and Thinking About Place

Aamjiwnaang with David Plain.mp4

David Plain, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, talks about Aamjiwnaang, "it flows contrary".

(6 min)

Cecil Isaac Bkejwanong.mp4

Cecil Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory, talks about Bkejwanong, “where the waters divide”.

(5 min)

Deb and Barry Milliken Kettle and Stony Point Reflect about Home.mp4

Deb and Barry Milliken, Kettle and Stony Point, talk about Kettle Point, also known as Wiiwkwedong “where the land goes around in a bay”, and Stony Point, known as Aazhoodena “the part over there”.

(12 min - with a natural pausing point at 6.30 to reflect about worldview and connection to place)

Thinking About Treaties as Relationships with All of Creation

Deb and Barry Milliken Perspective on Treaties as Relationships with all of Creation.mp4

Deb and Barry Milliken, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, think about treaties as a relationship with all of Creation.

(7.30 min)

What is my relationship with all of creation?

Thinking About Wampum Belts

David Plain talks about the Dish with One Spoon and Two Row Wampum Belts with pics.mp4

David Plain, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Author and Historian, talks about the Dish with One Spoon and Two Row Wampum Belts (4.30 min)

What are different perspectives and how do they impact me today?

All grades learn about the importance of treaties!

Treaties Recognition Week in K-3 classes! Join Isaac Murdoch and Shannon Paul, along with their dolls Nenaboozhoo and Nokomis, to talk about the importance of treaties.

Classroom Learning Resources

Treaty Week Reflection

Let us remember that our Indigenous neighbours gently walked this land.

Let us remember that Treaties are promises.

Let us respect those promises.

Let us remember all of the promises in our lives.

Let us respect those promises.

Let us remember that bullying causes pain and hurt.

Let us remember to be kind to everyone.

Let us remember to stick up for someone who is being bullied.

Let us remember to treat others the way we want to be treated.

Let us remember to love our neighbours.

Amen

Let us know peace.

For as long as the moon shall rise.

For as long as the rivers shall flow.

For as long as the sun shall shine.

For as long as the grass shall grow.

Let us know peace.

Cheyenne Prayer

Call 62.i. - Education for Reconciliation (TRC Calls to Action)

“We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal peoples, and educators, to make age-appropriate curriculum on … Treaties … a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students.”

What is a Treaty?

Treaties represent a relationship – built on mutual peace, respect and friendship

They are a way to explain how parties intend to "treat" each other for the duration of a relationship

Recognize First Nations as self-governing nations – which is acknowledged and protected by the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and the Canadian Constitution

There are obligations and benefits on both sides of the Treaties

Interested in a free online course through the University of Toronto on Treaty Education? Check out this comprehensive resource!

We Are All Treaty People - Indigenous EducationOverview Many people think of treaty rights as “special” indigenous rights however, all people living in Canada are treaty people with their own set of rights and responsibilities. Treaties are a foundational part of Canadian society. Every road, house, building or business that exists today in a treaty area was made possible because of a...Read More

How Are Treaties Meaningful Today?

A word from Jason Henry, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation @ChiefStony

"We look at treaties as a relationship between and among nations. They are a nation to nation agreement. To understand treaties, we start with understanding the creation story."

What's Important to Learn About the Historical Context of Treaties?

A word from Author and Historian David Plain, Aamjiwnaang First Nation @daviddplain

"Words spoken over a wampum were solemn words, never to be broken. When we think about treaties we think about agreeing together: nin bejigwendamin. If we agree together, we have begun reconciliation."

It's All About Relationships

A word from Cecil Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory (also known as Walpole Island First Nation)

"It's all about relationships. An equal partnership where together we build this relationship based on our grandfather teachings. Our purpose of being here is to teach the next generation."

Treaties Recognition Curriculum Linked Digital Resources

Ezhi-nawending: How we are related

Interactive Online Learning Portal - This is terrific and comprehensive across the grade levels!

Ezhi-nawending: How we are related, a free and interactive online learning portal recently launched by Anishinabek Nation. With 80 recorded and colourfully animated videos, plus games and interactive features, it shares lessons Canadians of all ages should learn, in a package that's appealing and fun for kids. It's designed for elementary students, but accessible to anyone with a computer and an internet connection.

Online Kayak Magazine: Treaties and Treaty Relationships

Kay2018Treaties.pdf

Kay2018Traites.pdf

Relations: French Resource for Elementary & Secondary

ESRI StoryMap - Treaties and Agreements

This ESRI StoryMap is designed for teachers as an introduction to understanding treaties and agreements between Indigenous Peoples, the Crown, the federal government, as well as provinces and territories. Explore this StoryMap, starting from what is currently referred to as upstate New York, to learn about the Two-Row Wampum Treaty, then journey over to the eastern coast of Canada to discover the history of the Peace and Friendship Treaties. Make your way west, learning about the Pre-Confederation Treaties, Numbered Treaties, and Métis scrip, and then travel north to learn about Inuit land claims. Finish your journey by exploring a map of the modern treaties within Canada.

Treaties and Agreements in CanadaAn introduction to treaties and agreements between Canada and Indigenous Peoples

Voices From Here Interactive Resource

Voices from Here: Rick Hill

In this interview, Rick Hill shares about the complexities of Haudenosaunee territory, wampum belt teachings, and his work to repatriate material culture to his community.

Treaties_English.pdf

This Education Guide references the Naskumituwin (Treaty) Heritage Minute. Click here to watch the Minute:

EN_basic_5Ws_chart.pdf

5Ws_Reading_Reading_Comprehension_Chart_-_Uncovering_the_Numbered_Treaties.pdf

Treaties_French.pdf

This Education Guide references à la Minute du patrimoine Naskumituwin (Traite). Click here to watch the Minute: :

FR_basic_5Ws_chart (1).pdf

Tableau_de_compréhension_de_lecture_des_5_questions_de_base_-_découvrir_les.pdf

Four Classroom Lessons for Grades 7-12 for Treaty Education Week

Four Classroom Lessons for Treaties Recognition WeekTreaty days offer opportunities for recognition, maybe celebration, and certainly teaching about treaties to improve our understanding of them.

Picture Books to Support Treaty Education

(the books listed in this doc are in all schools)

Scholastic Resources

(10 copies of each in every school)

Books to Support Treaty Recognition Week

Community Ties: What makes communities strong? Exploring First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Cultures

We Are the Land: How are people connected to the land?

“Treaties are responsible for the peaceful settlement of what everybody knows as Canada today,” Switzer, a Muskrat and Wolf Clan member of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, says in an educational video produced by Anishinabek Nation.

That’s why it’s important for all Canadians to learn about the land treaties that govern us.

These books are in every school.

Wampum Belts

Wampum Belt Teaching Kit

every school currently has a wampum belt teaching kit

David Plain, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Author and Historian, talks with classes about Wampum Belts.

David Plain talks about the Dish with One Spoon and Two Row Wampum Belts with pics.mp4

David Plain, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Author and Historian, talks about the Dish with One Spoon and Two Row Wampum Belts (4.30 min)

David Plain Wampum Belts 2020.mp4

David Plain, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Author and Historian, talks about a series of Wampum Belts that are included in the Wampum Belt Teaching Kits at every school. (50 min)

Maurice Switzer:

The Wampum Belt: A Nation to Nation Relationship

www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1312012635595214

5.34 min

Learn the Importance of Wampum

Alan Ojiig Corbiere discusses Wampum Belts and their direct relevance to the relationships between Indigenous peoples and Canada. Wampum Belts are living symbols of our treaty agreements and the honour of keeping them, among other things.

The Two Row Wampum

What is the significance of the Two Row Wampum?
How might differing interpretations of treaties affect Indigenous communities in the present day?

Wampum-Belt_EN.pdf

Two Row Wampum – Gä•sweñta’In 1613, the Mohawks noticed people coming into their territory unannounced. The visitors had begun to cut trees and clear land for their homes and farms. They had entered the lands of the Haudenos…

The Dish With One Spoon

What is the significance of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Treaty?
How might differing interpretations of treaties affect Indigenous communities in the present day?

Watch Isaac Murdoch from Serpent River First Nation explain the significance of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement.

What are some important concepts to be learned from this agreement?
What are our roles and responsibilities to the environment? With each other?

The Dish With One Spoon Wampum (Webinar 2)This student-facing lesson explores the Dish with One Spoon Wampum, a formal peace agreement between the Anishinaabe Three Fires Confederacy and Haudenosaunee Confederacies that extends to all those who arrived to the area around the Great Lakes region and along the St. Lawrence River.

The Wampum Belt

Wampum beltWhat are wampum belts and strings, who do they belong two, how are wampums made, wampum beads. Hiawatha belt, Dish with One Spoon, Two Row wampum.

Treaties

David Plain Local Treaty Education 2020.mp4

50 min

David Plain, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Author and Historian, talks with classes about Local Treaties.

Maurice Switzer on Treaties

We Are All Treaty People - Full Book Online Version

Nous sommes tous des gens issus de traités - Livre complet

Videos: Indigenous voices on treatiesWatch these videos to hear Indigenous speakers share their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario.

Indigenous Voices on Treaties Playlist

Treaties in Ontario: what are they and what do they do? | CBC NewsSince 2016, Ontario has held Treaty Recognition Week in the first week of November to honour the importance of treaties and raise awareness about treaty rights and relationships.

Digital Toolkit & School Hands On Kit

Elementary

Secondary

Elementary Treaty Education Digital Resource: Ezhi-Nawending: How We Are Related is for grades K-8

https://www.anishinabek.ca/education-resources/treaty-education-home/

Secondary Treaty Education Digital Resource: Gdoo-Sastamoo Kii Mi: This is our Understanding is for grades 9-12

https://www.anishinabek.ca/education-resources/gdoo-sastamoo-kii-mi/

We Are All Treaty People Kit Explanation

(These kits are in elementary schools)

Anishinabek Nation: Gdoo-Sastamoo Kii Mi Treaty Education Kit Explanation (This kit is in secondary schools)

Our Treaty History: Bkejwanong Territory

Our Treaty History.pdf

The St. Anne Treaty: Walpole Island First Nation

1796: The St. Anne Treaty

Treaties Matter: Understanding Ipperwash

Treaties-Matter-Understanding-Ipperwash.pdf

lestraitessontimportants.pdf

Nnigiiwemin / We Are Going Home

Out of response to the Ipperwash crisis of 1995, a virtual exhibit was created by Summer Bressette, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, and Monica Virtue with the Lambton Museum. It is called / We Are Going Home.

Using interviews, maps, moving images, soundscapes, and wampum, it illustrates the relationship between people, land, and Anishinaabeg Nationhood.

The slide deck along with the virtual talk can be found here.

The Duty to Consult: Ipperwash 30th anniversary reminder that ‘duty to consult’ remains an ongoing issue (September 2025)

The James Bay Treaty (Treaty No. 9) Exhibit

Archives of Ontario James Bay Treaty lesson kits for grade 6 and grade 9 students and map of Treaty No. 9 signing locations

Maps

Interactive Map to Explore Languages, Territories, and Treaties

NativeLand.caWelcome to Native Land. This is a resource for North Americans (and others) to find out more about local Indigenous territories and languages.

Map of Ontario treaties and reservesLearn about the treaties that cover where you live, go to school or work, and find reserves in Ontario.

Ontario Treaties and Reserves – allows you to search by city, address, or postal code to find nearby treaties and reserves in Ontario.

Canada’s Indigenous lands added to Google Maps, Google EarthA new update allows users to view 3,100 Indigenous communities and treaty settlement lands

Map of Ontario Treaties and Reserves

www.ontario.ca/page/map-ontario-treaties-and-reserves

This resource allows you to input your city, address, or postal code to find out which treaties between the government and Indigenous Nations were made on the land you are on.

Office of the Treaty Commissioner Treaty Map: Descriptions of the 11 Numbered Treaties

www.otc.ca/pages/treaty_map.html

Treaties and Land Claims

EC_Treaty_Map.pdf

Comprehensive Land Claims: Modern Treaties

Revendications territoriales globales : traités modernes

Video Resources

Trick or Treaty?

This feature documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin (Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance) profiles Indigenous leaders in their quest for justice as they seek to establish dialogue with the Canadian government. By tracing the history of their ancestors since the signing of Treaty No. 9, these leaders aim to raise awareness about issues vital to First Nations in Canada: respect for and protection of their lands and their natural resources, and the right to hunt and fish so that their societies can prosper. In recent years, an awareness-raising movement has been surfacing in First Nations communities. In this powerful documentary, those who refuse to surrender are given a chance to speak out.

FULL LENGTH DOCUMENTARY- RECOMMENDED FOR SECONDARY

Trick or Treaty?Covering a vast swath of northern Ontario, Treaty No. 9 reflects the often contradictory interpretations of treaties between First Nations and the Crown. To the Canadian government, this …

Ruse ou traité?S’appliquant à une vaste étendue dans le nord de l’Ontario, le Traité no 9 reflète les interprétations souvent contradictoires des traités conclus entre les Premières Nations et la …

Trick or Treaty Educator's Guide.pdf

Educator's Guide: Trick or Treaty

Classroom Strategies and Teaching Resource Links

Facing History Canada Resources

Critical Thinking Lesson Plans and Teaching Materials!

Resources for Treaties Recognition Week in OntarioWe are all treaty people and it is important that we understand the role and significance of treaties and our responsibility to these important agreements.

www.canadashistory.ca/explore/webinars/treaties-and-the-treaty-relationship-webinar-series

A series of six webinars produced by Canada's History Society and the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, which aims to present diverse perspectives on treaties. Topics include the significance of the Royal Proclamation and the relationship between treaties and the Indian Act.

EduLesNumberedTreaties.pdf

EduLesTraitesNumerotes.pdf

Classroom Resources

www.canadashistory.ca/education/classroom-resources/classroom-treaty

EduTreatiesPackage.pdf

CHDig2018Treaties.pdf

HCNum2018Traites.pdf

Indigenous Perspectives Education Guide

Indigenous_Perspectives_Education_Guide (1).pdf

Guide pédagogiques perspectives autochtones

Guide_pédagogiques_perspectives_autochtones.pdf

Key_Moments_in_Indigenous_History_Timeline.pdf

Moments_clés_de_l'histoire_autochtones.pdf

Indigenous_Perspectives_Worksheets_-_All_Activities.pdf

Feuilles_de_travail_-_perspectives_autochtones.pdf

Thinking About the Spirit and Intent of Treaties

Let’s Talk Treaty, Episode 2: Spirit and the Intent of Treaties with Elder Harry Bone:

Reciprocity

Respect

Renewal

Click on the following Educator's Guide to access ideas for classroom learning --->

Let's Talk Treaty - Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba“Let’s Talk Treaty” is a 15-minute, bi-weekly radio series aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the Manitoba Treaties. The show features Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross, who welcomes special guests in order to engage in insightful and thought-provoking discussions on Treaties and the Treaty relationship.

Online Resource for Primary, Junior, and Intermediate Classrooms

This resource contains direct links to the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations, the Catholic Virtues as well as the 7 Sacred Grandfather Teachings of the Anishinaabek.

Lessons From the Earth & Beyond http://www.lessonsfromearthandbeyond.ca/lessons-from-the-earth.html

HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE

The Fisher Story

Central to this resource is The Fisher Story as shared by Isaac Murdoch. This focus of learning is in relation to Indigenous knowledge systems, the environment and how we are intricately connected. Throughout the story, many lessons are learned in regards to our conduct as well as our roles and responsibilities.

Prior to reading or watching The Fisher Story it is recommended that teachers take time to activate student thinking with regards to existing knowledge. Consider introducing key concepts such as love, balance, respect, and our relationship with all of creation.

Sacred Fisher Story - Animated Version

LESSONS FROM THE EARTH & BEYONDwww.lessonsfromearthandbeyond.ca/fisher-story.html

Cross-Curricular Activities

After reading or watching The Fisher Story, there are many possible activities that can be done to reinforce and further explore the story’s messages.

Although there are a variety of themes embedded within the story, this resource focuses on 7 big ideas:

Zhawenjige: Walking With A Good Heart
Dodem: The Clan System
Mangide’e: Courage
Zaagi’idiwin: Love
Bagijigan: Offerings
Maawanji’idiwag: Working Together in a Good Way
Omdendum: Hope For the Future

Each big idea has an explanation, supporting video and sample lesson plans.

Lesson plans and video resources including a treaties video series, treaty texts from the Robinson and Williams Treaties, and the full text of the Royal Proclamation of 1763.

The Royal Proclamation

The Treaties: Two Different Views

Compare and Contrast Perspectives:

Government View on Treaties/ First Nations View on Treaties

European View on Land Ownership/ First Nations View on Land Ownership

First Nations View on Leadership & Consensus/ European View on Leadership & Consensus

Interactive Infographic: Explore the Numbered Treaties (link)

treatyMaking-infopic-pdf_1380133996417_eng.pdf

Les Traités Historiques

treatyMaking-infopic-pdf_1380133996417_fra.pdf

Assesmbly of First Nations Treaty Toolkit

Plaintalk-4-Treaties.pdf

Kahoot! Treaties Quiz

create.kahoot.it/share/b5643f99-4c62-4300-a9de-df0a2499bde6

Treaty Resources Google Folder

Treaties Recognition Week helps students, staff, and the public learn about treaties from diverse Indigenous perspectives and encourages greater understanding of the importance of treaties in Ontario. Treaties negotiated in Ontario over the past 250 years are the foundation of the relationship between governments and Indigenous peoples. They represent a mutual commitment to building a prosperous future for everyone. Historical treaties are important to the ongoing relationship between the Crown and First Nations and are still relevant today. By building understanding of these agreements, we are moving towards reconciliation with Indigenous people. This helps create equitable and respectful relationships, enabling a better way forward together.

(https://www.ontario.ca/page/treaties)

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