Treaties Recognition Week

November 4 - 11, 2024

What is Treaties Recognition Week?

The purpose of Treaties Recognition Week is to recognize the importance of treaties and increase awareness of the treaty relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Ontario.

What is a treaty?

Treaties are agreements made between the Government of Canada, Indigenous groups and often provinces and territories that define ongoing rights and obligations on all sides. Ontario would not exist as it is today without treaties. Every road, house, building, or business in a treaty area exists thanks to these agreements. They form the basis of the relationship 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. 

"We are all treaty people"

"We are all treaty people" has become a well known phrase intended to emphasis that all people have treaty rights and responsibilities. Many people view treaty rights as “special” rights for Indigenous peoples, but in fact, everyone living in Canada is a treaty person with their own rights and responsibilities.