Knowledge Guide Part 5: Six Nations, Trust Funds, and Legal Liabilities: Where are we now?

November 1-5, 2021 marks the second year that the University of Waterloo is officially participating in Treaties Recognition Week. This year, the Office of Indigenous Relations is excited to offer various opportunities to strengthen our understandings of where we live and work, and the importance of treaty rights and relationships.

Return to the Treaties Recognition Week webpage to learn more.

About the Knowledge Guide

This Knowledge Guide is part of a five-part series released to honour Treaties Recognition Week. The following Guide, along with the accompanying video, explores the historical and ongoing significance of treaties, focusing on the Haldimand Treaty

View on YouTube

Key themes covered in the video:

Crown’s use of Six Nations Trust Funds
6 validated claims
1955 court case
2008 court case
Duty to consult and accommodate
Haldimand Treaty

Reflection Questions:

What are creative ways of moving forward, as Phil mentioned?
How do we continue to seek justice while remaining in "harmony with our neighbours in peace friendship, and respect" (principles of the treaty)?
Given that you may create, work, and study on the Haldimand Tract, how has and will this knowledge impact you?
What does meaningful consultation and accommodation mean and look like in the process of reconciliation?

Resources:

Six Nations of the Grand River	Visit Six Nations Land and Resources to access booklets and other online resources with information about land rights, maps, treaties, and more.
Treaties in Ontario	The Treaties in Ontario infographic (PDF) displays a brief overview of Ontario’s 40+ treaties and agreements. You can also learn more about Treaties, with resources from Waterloo’s Treaties Recognition Week 2020.
Native Land	Native Land is an interactive resource to explore the territory that you live on, visit, or work on, and learn more about Indigenous territories, languages, lands, and ways of life.
O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp	Land Back Camp is located in what is now Victoria Park, Kitchener. This organization seeks to waive all fees for Indigenous communities to host events in public spaces; give back the land in Victoria Park and Waterloo Park to the Indigenous Peoples; urge cities to create paid positions, at all levels, for Indigenous Peoples to engage with the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples living on this territory; and push for cities to create Indigenous Advisory Committees.
The Healing of the Seven Generations	The Healing of the Seven Generations assists First Nations Peoples within the Waterloo Region and surrounding areas who are suffering the inter-generational impacts of the residential school system.
Anishnabeg Outreach	Anishnabeg Outreach is an incorporated non-profit organization that provides Indigenous peoples with access to culturally appropriate services, striving to support folks to overcome barriers. They provide services in multiple locations in Ontario, including Kitchener.
University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations	Indigenous Relations is a central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, researchers, faculty, and staff, along with allies within the Waterloo campus community. Additionally, the Office of Indigenous Relations provides the campus community with guidance, support, and resources
Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC)	The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) is located at St. Paul’s University College. They work to share Indigenous knowledge and provide culturally relevant information and support services with the University of Waterloo community, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, and faculty.
Office of Indigenous Relations Resources & Allyship Page	The University of Waterloo’s Office of Indigenous Relations has created a resource section with a non-exhaustive list of resources for Waterloo’s campus community and beyond.