Waawiindamaagewin Nsadwaamjigaadeg Bimise*/Treaties Recognition Week 2025
*Anishinaabemowin translation source: Anishinabek Nation via their Monthly Calendar 2025
In 2016, the first week of November was designated as Treaties Recognition Week (TRW) in Ontario. This week reminds us of the importance of these living agreements.
Treaties are agreements regarding rights, obligations, and relationships. Indigenous nations were forming these agreements before Europeans arrived. Based on their own ways of knowing, the land is a gift from the Creator, and we are obligated to care for and share it with plants, animals, and other life forms, with whom we are in a reciprocal relationship.
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is subject to several pre- and post-confederacy treaties. Look beyond the boundaries of the GTA, and an even fuller picture begins to emerge; there are multiple treaties governing the lands we live, work, and play on. We are all treaty people.
Concepts such as burying the hatchet (negotiating peace through ceremony) and polishing the chain (connections tarnishing over time, requiring ongoing “polishing” work and care to remain strong) come from treaty-making. Treaties of peace, friendship, respect, and sharing emerged from the need to formalize alliances, sovereignty, and relationships.
Historically, nation-to-nation treaty relationships were familiar to both Indigenous and European nations and became increasingly important as the European presence expanded. These sacred agreements are relevant “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow."
Though treaties were established across what is currently called Canada, it is important to note that unceded lands still exist. Many areas across this nation were never ceded or legally signed away to the Crown or to Canada, including what is now called Ottawa, our nation's current capital. Parliament Hill is built on unceded, unsurrendered, never relinquished Algonquin territory.
This TRW, we invite you to research the agreements that apply to the areas where you work, vacation, and reside. And consider what your obligations are based on those agreements.
Below are some suggested starting points:
Dish with One Spoon — Hart House
The Two Row Wampum Treaty - Onondaga Nation
Treaty No. 13 (also known as The Toronto Purchase) - Mississauga's of the Credit First Nation
How are treaties related to Reconciliation? — Government of Ontario
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) — United Nations
Treaty Promises: Rekindling Treaty-Crown Relationships in Canada — David Suzuki Foundation
Protecting Our Lands: A First Nations Response to Bill 5 and Bill C-5 — Chiefs of Ontario
Free Prior Informed Consent and Duty to Consult — Indigenous Corporate Training Incorporated
Press release calling for action to end drinking water advisories — Assembly of First Nations
