Treaties Recognition Week
Honouring Ontario's Indigenous Agreements
November 3-9, 2024, marks Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. This important observance honours the historic and present day treaties between Indigenous peoples and the Crown, acknowledging the province's rich and complex history.
This annual event honours the importance of Treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about Treaty rights and relationships. By learning more about our collective Treaty rights and obligations, we can create greater understanding and nurture relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Treaties Recognition Week represents one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The week was launched in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (PDF) to increase Treaty awareness and provide the public with an important opportunity to learn why treaties matter.
Understanding Treaties
Treaties are legally binding agreements that established relationships, rights, and responsibilities between Indigenous nations and European settlers. Ontario is home to 46 treaties, covering most of the province.
Why Recognition Matters
It is important for all Ontarians to understand the role treaties play in our lives and relationships with each other today as we move forward together to advance reconciliation.
Recognizing treaties: Affirms Indigenous rights and title to lands, promotes mutual understanding and respect, supports reconciliation and healing, and encourages inclusive and equitable communities.
Get Involved
Watch videos of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers highlighting the importance of Treaties, Treaty relationships and Treaty rights in Ontario. Use the videos to promote learning about Treaties in your organization or classroom.
Maurice Switzer delivers presentations on Treaty recognition as a key element of the reconciliation process and talks about issues related to the Williams Treaties, Maurice Switzer on reconciliation and treaty recognition.