Beginning in 2016, Ontario has observed the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week. This year from November 3-9, Ontario recognizes the importance of treaties made between Indigenous Nations and the British Crown, now represented by the Government of Canada beginning in the 1700's. It is an annual opportunity to learn about the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and how they are still relevant today. Committing to continued learning about treaties answers calls to action numbers 57 and 93 from the final report released by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
What are Treaties?
Treaties define the respective rights, benefits and obligations of Indigenous Peoples and the Government of Canada. They provide a framework for peacefully sharing, living and co-existing on the land that Indigenous Peoples traditionally occupied. Section 35 of the
Canadian Constitution, 1982 recognizes and affirms the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. This includes Indian, Inuit and Métis Peoples and applies to their existing rights, those that exist by way of land claim agreements and those yet to be acquired.
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 issued by King George III established a new administrative structure for acquiring Indigenous lands. It defined the land west of the settler colonies as "Indian territories", established the Indian Department as the liaison between First Nations Peoples and the Crown and instituted protocols and procedures for purchasing First Nations land. The rules and protocols proclaimed in this document continue to inform the treaty relationships between First Nations and the Government of Canada today.
Treaties Connected to Brampton
Shared with permission from the Mississauags of the Credit First Nation
The City of Brampton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee and Wendat Nations who occupied this land from time immemorial until the arrival of European settlers. In 1818, the Mississaugas of the Credit and the British Crown entered into Treaty Number 19, also known as the Ajetance Purchase. This treaty agreement includes the sale of 648,000 acres from the Mississaugas of the Credit to the British Crown in exchange for an annual amount of goods.
Why Learn About Treaties?
Treaties are living documents that help us recognize and acknowledge the relationships and partnerships that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Honouring existing treaty relationships will foster respect and understanding while also creating space to negotiate new treaties in the future. This week the City of Brampton encourages you to learn more about the Indigenous nations' traditional territories you live on and their ongoing treaty agreements.
