The first week of November marks Treaties Recognition Week which honours the importance of treaty rights and relationships. All settlers in Canada have a responsibility to learn more about Treaty Rights and relationships, because Treaty obligations not only apply to the past, but also to the present and the future.
Ontario established Treaties Recognition Week in 2016, designating the first full week of November each year to recognize the importance of Treaties, increase Treaty awareness, and learn why they matter.
First Nations were the original occupants of this land we call Ontario. The British Crown (government) and First Nations negotiated and signed Treaties with the intent of delivering mutual benefits. First Nations signed as independent, self-governing nations.
Despite the promise of early Treaties and the mutually respectful partnerships they established, Indigenous peoples were targeted by colonial policies designed to exploit, assimilate, and eradicate them.
Today, the Ontario Government is working to rebuild trust and relationships with Treaty partners and Indigenous peoples.
Part of that effort includes educating Ontarians about the role Treaties play in our lives and relationships with each other today.
(Source: History of treaties in Ontario | ontario.ca)
You Have a Responsibility:
The Canadian Citizenship Oath includes Indigenous Treaty Rights
The Canadian Citizenship Oath includes Indigenous Treaty Rights:
I swear (or affirm)
That I will be faithful
And bear true allegiance
To His Majesty
King Charles the Third
King of Canada
His Heirs and Successors
And that I will faithfully observe
The laws of Canada
Including the Constitution
Which recognizes and affirms
The Aboriginal and treaty rights of
First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples
And fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
What Are Treaties?
Please listen to Indigenous voices on treaties, with us:
Watch these videos to hear Indigenous speakers share their knowledge about the importance of Treaties, Treaty relationships and rights in Ontario.
Videos: Indigenous voices on treaties | ontario.ca
Treaties are agreements between Indigenous Nations and the Crown on the responsibilities and rights of both parties.
Ontario would not exist as it is today without Treaties. They form the basis of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Treaties outline the sharing of the Land and resources between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Although many Treaties were signed more than a century ago, Treaty commitments are just as valid today as they were then. They have no expiry date.
Treaties Covering Markham:
The Southwest of Markham is covered by Treaty 13 (1895), while the rest of Markham is covered by the Williams Treaties which were signed in 1923. Although the Treaties covering Markham were signed only 100 years ago, European settlements on Indigenous Lands were established as early as 1792. Indigenous Nations represented by the Williams Treaties include: Mississaugas of Alderville, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Scugog Island First Nation, Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and the Rama First Nation.
When the Williams Treaties were first signed, Indigenous Nations did not receive proper compensation and their harvesting rights were unjustly denied. In 2018, federal and provincial governments issued an apology for the negative impacts of the Treaties, reinstating pre-Confederation harvesting rights and additional reserve lands.
Learn more about the Williams Treaties here.
Read the government’s statement of apology:
Statement of Apology for the Impacts of the 1923 Williams Treaties
We invite you to learn more:
- To find out whose Land you are on and to learn more about the specific treaties, visit Native Land or Whose Land
- Take University of Toronto’s Understanding Indigenous Perspectives: We Are All Treaty People and, Aboriginal Worldviews and Education | Coursera
- Treaties Recognition Week | ontario.ca
- Read book on our reading list, below!
Attend a Local Event:
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Office of the Lieutenant Governor Treaty 13 Exhibit: November 2nd & 3rd 1:00 to 3:00 PM, and November 4th to the 6th, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission is free.
Presented in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Archives of Ontario, and Library and Archives Canada, this marks the first time in recent memory that Treaty 13 has been made available for public viewing in Toronto. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to reflect on its enduring significance and deepen understanding of treaty relationships in Ontario.
For more information Visit: Learning, Reflection and Reconciliation at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite | Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
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Royal Ontario Museum: November 4th 11:00-11:45 AM
This special Learn & Explore event will be led by Indigenous Museum Educators, centering Indigenous voices and knowledges.
Through storytelling and guided interaction, students will gain a deeper understanding of how treaties continue to shape relationships today. This event invites reflection on how we can all contribute to honouring treaty commitments and building respectful nation-to-nation relationships.
This theatre session is accompanied by an activation in the museum that will run from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Treaty Belts will be available for students to explore.
Cost: $16/person (Free for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students)
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Archives of Ontario: November 24th 10:00 to 11:30 PM
Join Crystal Gail Fraser and Sara Komarnisky for a dialogue and Q&A about their national bestseller, Talk Treaty to Me. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public. Treaty 9 will be displayed by the Archives of Ontario as part of this event.
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Law Society of Ontario: November 4th 5:30-6:30 PM (Virtual)
Annual educational program recognizing Treaties Recognition Week and Inuit Day.
Check out our reading list:
Treaties Recognition Week is November 1 to 7, 2026 in Ontario. This week honours the importance of Treaty rights, Treaty relationships, and their relevance today. By learning more about our collective Treaty rights and obligations, we can create greater understanding and nurture relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
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