TORONTO – Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald acknowledges the fourth annual Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario and encourages all to participate and learn about the shared history between First Nations and Ontario. Treaties Recognition Week, held during the first week of November, was introduced in 2016 to honour the treaty relationship that was built between First Nations and the Crown, which has benefitted Ontarians for generations.
“This week provides a recurring opportunity for educators and all Ontarians alike to bring awareness to the importance of honouring and recognizing the treaties made between First Nations and the Crown. Honouring and recognizing treaty relationships, through our perspective, is part of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Learning about the Treaties from our perspective is an essential aspect to bridge a connection between Ontarians and First Nation community members, youth, and elders.
A lot of Canadians are unaware of the true shared history between the Crown and Indigenous people, and that our governance systems and treaty relationships are still very much alive today. Treaty Recognition Week is essential to provide youth, both indigenous and non-indigenous, with the proper tools to learn about how these Nation-to-Nation treaties were crafted to capture our relationship with the land and core values as nations. More importantly, the treaty awareness week teaches Ontarians that there is a direct connection between Treaties and their freedom and peace. We are all still treaty partners, and this relationship must be respected by honouring the spirit and intent of Treaties. We are all Treaty people.
By bringing awareness and attention to the treaties within Ontario, we are facilitating a space that will assist with the overall revitalization of our culture and languages. I encourage all join in on the dialogue and to attend one of the many Treaty Recognition Week events across Ontario.”
Throughout the week, the Chiefs of Ontario will be using social media to distribute daily Treaty awareness links and resources.
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald
