November 2, 2020 (Brockville, ON) – This week, many schools across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) will be engaging in learning opportunities surrounding Treaties Recognition Week, which is celebrated annually during the first week of November.
First introduced in 2016, the provincially recognized special recognition week honours and promotes public education and awareness about treaties and treaty relationships.
Treaties are legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of Indigenous peoples and the federal and provincial governments. Historically, and from the perspective of Indigenous People, treaties are agreements of peace and friendship.
In total, Ontario is covered by 46 treaties. Much of the land that UCDSB schools operate on is covered by the Crawford’s Purchases treaty, which was signed in1783.
“Honouring and recognizing treaty relationships is part of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada,” says UCDSB Principal of Indigenous Education, Gail Brant-Terry. “This week is an excellent opportunity to show our commitment to reconciliation, enhancing Indigenous education and honouring our collective responsibilities as Treaty people.”
The UCDSB’s Virtual Learning Commons (VLC) put together Student Life: Treaties Recognition Week, a compilation of online learning resources for students, schools and families to access.
“Treaties Recognition Week is a reminder for us to pause and recall our history, and to take the opportunity to discuss it with those around us,” adds UCDSB Chair John McAllister. “In the UCDSB, we have been purposeful in strengthening our relationships with the Indigenous community, and a big part of that is taking timely learning opportunities like this and making it part our daily conversations. Words are important and, so too, are symbols.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
April Scott-Clarke
Manager of Communications
Upper Canada District School Board
[email protected]