Treaties Recognition Week is observed annually during the first week of November to emphasize the importance of treaties and deepen the understanding of treaty rights and relationships across Ontario. It offers an opportunity for students, educators, and residents to explore the lasting significance of treaties and their relevance in today’s society.
This year, Treaties Recognition Week takes place from November 2-8, 2025.
Director of Education Message
What’s Happening in Schools…
In recognition of Treaties Recognition Week, students across the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) will engage in a variety of meaningful learning experiences that honour Indigenous culture, history, and relationships—deepening their understanding of the importance of treaties in Canada. Some examples include:
Treaty Awareness Through Art 🎨
The SCDSB is proud to partner with Indigenous artist Moses Lunham of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation for a virtual painting workshop focused on the Huron Tract Treaty. The session, titled “Treaty Awareness through Art,” encourages students to connect with the Anishinaabe worldview through creativity and storytelling.
Students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School had the opportunity to experience a workshop with Moses on October 29. Under the guidance of Mrs. Lawrence and supporting educator/Indigenous Support Worker Carissa Bruyere, the Grade 3/4 class painted drums while learning about the heartbeat of Mother Earth, the Thunderbird, and the deep connections between art, spirit, and land.
“Miigwetch, Moses, for inspiring our learners and helping them express their creativity in such a meaningful way,” shared St. Anne. “Your teachings remind us that learning through art builds understanding, respect, and connection.”
Treaty Scavenger Hunt 🪶
At Bishop Alexander Carter, Grade 7 and 8 students will participate in a treaty scavenger hunt, solving coded clues written in Anishinaabemowin to uncover answers hidden throughout the school. In addition, Indigenous Support Worker Page Chartrand will facilitate the Kairos Blanket Exercise, an experiential learning activity that helps students explore the evolving relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Wampum Belt Learning 📜
At Holy Trinity Catholic School, students are exploring the concept of treaties through an interdisciplinary project blending math, coding, beading, and weaving. After learning about the role of treaties and wampum belts, students will design and create their own symbolic belts—representing peace, friendship, and mutual respect
The examples above reflect only a portion of the engaging learning taking place. The Sudbury Catholic District School Board looks forward to highlighting Treaty-focused learning experiences from schools across the system throughout the week.
Public Resources
In addition to the activities planned within our schools, the Sudbury Catholic Indigenous Education team has gathered a variety of resources to support students, staff, and community members in reflecting on and commemorating this significant week. Below is a summary of public resources available through Ontario.ca to help deepen Ontarian’s engagement and learning.
The History of Treaties Recognition Week
In 2016, Ontario passed legislation declaring the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week. This annual event honours the importance of treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about treaty rights and relationships.
In Ontario, treaties are as much a part of today as when they were first created. They are living documents and legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. Furthermore, we also acknowledge that Indigenous Nations had Treaty Agreements with one another before Europeans arrived, and that treaty-making itself, precedes North American settlement.
Whether Indigenous or not, treaties matter to everyone in Canada; we are all Treaty People. They represent a mutual commitment to building a prosperous future for everybody and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are responsible for knowing and upholding Treaty obligations.
Resources for Treaties Education Week
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is committed to providing opportunities for innovation and learning for all in an inclusive and equitable community. During Treaties Recognition Week, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board will engage in meaningful learning opportunities from November 2-8, 2025. These initiatives aim to deepen understanding and respect for treaty rights and relationships, benefiting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Treaty Teaching & Learning Resources
The Government of Ontario has provided several teaching resources to help further explore this topic. Among these is a Treaties in Ontario infographic (PDF), which illustrates the number of treaties in Ontario, the regions they encompass, and the populations residing within these treaty areas.
To review the Scope and Sequence of Expectations Relating to Treaties and Land Claims, please refer to the following:
For additional teaching and learning resources, visit the Ontario.ca page on Treaty Teaching & Learning Resources.
Videos: Indigenous Voices on Treaties
Videos: Indigenous Voices on Treaties
Sudbury Catholic Schools have been provided with a wide range of video resources from Ontario.ca suitable for different grade levels to provide students with an opportunity to hear from Indigenous Elders or knowledge keepers.
In these activities, students will learn about treaties and their importance in an age-appropriate way that’s flexible for teachers’ lesson planning. This opportunity allows Indigenous speakers to share their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario.
To view these videos, please go to: Ontario.ca - Indigenous Voices on Treaties
Learn More About Treaties in Ontario
Learn More About Treaties in Ontario
For comprehensive information on treaties in Ontario, visit the Ontario.ca Treaties page. This resource is curated by the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and provides valuable insights into the history, significance, and impact of treaties across the province.
Explore the following resources:
- About Treaties – Understand the fundamentals of treaties in Ontario.
- Interactive Treaty Map – Discover where treaties have been made using an engaging, interactive map.
- Children & Youth Books – Explore a selection of books designed to help children and youth understand the importance of treaties and Indigenous history.
- Adult & Academic Books – Access recommended reading for adults, offering in-depth knowledge and perspectives on treaties and their lasting effects.
