THUNDER BAY – The Province of Ontario Ont will send a First Nations and Treaties map to every elementary and high school in the province as a first step towards raising awareness about treaties.
The map will help teach students about the significance of treaties and the shared history of First Nations and non-Aboriginal Ontarians.
In partnership with First Nation leaders, new school curriculum about treaties is being developed to give students a better understanding of First Nation communities, cultures and perspectives. Ontario will also be working with First Nation partners to look for other opportunities to raise awareness and to better understand different perspectives on treaties and related issues.
Working with First Nations is part of the government’s plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow and focuses on Ontario’s greatest strengths — its people and strategic partnerships.
QUICK FACTS
- A treaty is a negotiated agreement that sets out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of Aboriginal people and the Crown, including the federal and provincial governments.
- First Nations and Treaties is the first detailed map of treaties that the Ontario government has published since the 1940s.
- Prior to contact with Europeans, First Nations were distinct, independent nations.
- The treaties they made with the Crown reflect a mutual commitment to working together on areas of common interest and mutual benefit.
Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements such as land purchases by the Crown signed between 1781 and 1930.
