Discover, Honour and Heal: Ontario's Treaties Recognition Week – Nov 5 to 11

Please mark your calendars for November 5 to 11 as Ontario observes its eighth annual Treaties Recognition Week. This week is about acknowledging the vital significance of treaties and their relevance in our lives today.

Treaties Recognition Week, initiated in 2016 following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action, is a crucial stepping stone of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. 

Did you know Ontario encompasses 46 historical and present-day treaties signed between 1781 and 1930? 

You can participate in Treaties Week activities by:

• Attending events: Several events are happening across the province. Ontario works with school boards and libraries to host Living Library events and promote partner events. Events open to the public are posted on Ontario.ca/treaties. What is a Living Library? It’s when Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers share their experiences and perspectives with an opportunity for participants to join the conversation. 
• Watching enlightening videos featuring Indigenous speakers sharing their wisdom on treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario. 
• Exploring the interactive treaties map to discover which treaty applies to any location in the province.

Ontarians need to understand the role treaties play in our lives and relationships today as we move forward together to advance reconciliation. By building understanding, we are helping to create equitable and respectful relationships to enable a better future for everyone.

York Region is on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Peoples such as the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat and Métis peoples and the treaty territories of the Haudenosaunee, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Williams Treaties First Nations. This land is now home to many diverse Indigenous Peoples. York Region is located within the boundaries of the Nanfan Treaty, Treaty 13 and the Williams Treaties. There are also other land claims and treaty rights involving portions of York Region that have not been resolved. The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation is a Williams Treaty First Nation and the closest First Nation community to York Region. 

York Region is committed to a welcoming and inclusive environment that recognizes and celebrates all dimensions of diversity. Learning about each other is foundational to our commitment to inclusion. Learn more at york.ca/inclusiveyr