The Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Indigenous Education Team proudly hosted its first Round Dance at Marymount Academy, bringing together staff, students, families, and community members for an evening of ceremony, unity, and celebration.

The event created a welcoming space for participants to connect through song and dance while fostering a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture. Guided by the wisdom and leadership of Elders, a Pipe Carrier, a Stickman, an MC, Singers, and dedicated volunteers, the gathering honored the spirit of community and reconciliation.

“We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this special event,” said Ginette Toivonen, Indigenous Education Facilitator for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “The Round Dance was a meaningful opportunity for learning and connection, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate and support Indigenous education by hosting more events like this in the future for our community.”

The Sudbury Catholic District School Board remains committed to promoting cultural awareness and creating inclusive spaces where Indigenous traditions are honoured and shared.

Chi miigwech to all who attended and supported this event. The Board looks forward to future opportunities to engage with the community through Indigenous education initiatives.

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 3-9, 2024.

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 4-8, 2024. These initiatives aim to deepen understanding and respect for treaty rights and relationships, benefiting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.