Guides: Indigenous Studies: Treaties Recognition

Introduction

Learn about treaty agreements between Indigenous peoples and the Crown and what they mean for settler-Indigenous relationships and reconciliation.

A Glance at Treaty Resources

Williams Treaties

Treaty Made November 15, 1923 between his Majesty the King and the Mississauga Indians of Rice Lake, Mud Lake, Scugog Lake and Alderville
A PDF copy of the treaty.
Williams Treaties First Nations Settlement Agreement
Government of Canada infographic.
Statement of Apology for the Impacts of the 1923 Williams Treaties
On November 17, 2018, in Rama, Ontario, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, apologized on behalf of the Government of Canada for the negative impacts of the 1923 Williams Treaties on the Williams Treaties First Nations.
Upper Canada Land Surrenders and the Williams Treaties (1764-1862/1923)

Library Resources on Treaties Recognition

Browse "Williams Treaties" resources in the Library's collection
Treaty History Books
Examples of books on Treaty History in Canada available in Durham College Library.
Treaty History Videos
Examples of videos on Treaty History in Canada available through Durham College Library.

Maamwi Treaties of Ontario Database This link opens in a new window
Created by Colleges Libraries Ontario (CLO), this database of treaties in Ontario can be filtered by treaty, location, and college. Explore the database to discover what treaty your college campus is located on. The database also includes additional resources to gain a better understanding of the traditional lands where Ontario's 24 colleges are located.

Keeping promises : the Royal Proclamation of 1763, aboriginal rights, and treaties in Canada
Marking the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation, Keeping Promises shows how central the application of the Proclamation is to the many treaties that followed it and the settlement and development of Canada. Promises have been made to Aboriginal peoples in historic treaties from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries in Ontario, the Prairies, and the Mackenzie Valley, and in modern treaties from the 1970s onward, primarily in the North. In this collection, essays by historians, lawyers, treaty negotiators, and Aboriginal leaders explore how and how well these treaties are executed.
The Grandfather of all Treaties
The Grandfather of All Treaties or the Two Row Wampum, is considered the most important diplomatic instrument in First Nation’s history. Wampum belts were among the first documented agreements between First Nations and European settlers. This documentary examines the Indigenous mobilization that is happening across North America and these grassroots movements’ ability to affect real change in the world. Though the face of these issues may be the protection of Indigenous rights – it is the recognition of them that may actually determine the fate of the planet.The Grandfather of All Treaties or the Two Row Wampum, is considered the most important diplomatic instrument in First Nation’s history. Wampum belts were among the first documented agreements between First Nations and European settlers. This documentary examines the Indigenous mobilization that is happening across North America and these grassroots movements’ ability to affect real change in the world. Though the face of these issues may be the protection of Indigenous rights – it is the recognition of them that may actually determine the fate of the planet.
Treaties Recognition Playlist
Ten documentaries in the Treaties Recognition Playlist by McIntyre Media, including:
Learning About Treaties in Canada
The History of Treaties in Canada
The Signing of Treaties Four and Six: Thunder Breeding Hills Series
The Impact of Colonialism in Canada
An Overview of Residential Schools in Canada
A Requiem for the Canadian Dream
Residential Schools: Truth and Reconciliation in Canada
Truth and Reconciliation: The Legacy of Residential Schools in Canada
A Way of Living Developed Over Millennia: Edmund Metatawabin - The Green Interview Series
Profound Lessons from Indigenous Law: John Borrows - The Green Interview Series

Government Treaty Resources

Royal Proclamation of 1763, Aboriginal Rights & Treaties in Canada
Royal Proclamation of 1763 (Plain-Language Summary)
Department of Indian Affairs : treaties, surrenders and agreements
Primary documents including treaties, surrenders and agreements. Documents include land sales, conveyances, and deeds
Map of Ontario Treaties and Reserves
Learn about the treaties that cover where you live, go to school or work, and find reserves in Ontario.
Government of Ontario Treaties
Learn more about the treaties, treaty relationships and treaty rights that shape Ontario
Treaties Texts
Read transcripts of the treaties dating from the mid 1700's to the early 1900's. The treaty texts have been formatted and clearly typed, instead of their original format, for easy reading and printing. Please note that not all treaties have been transcribed due to the absence of the original source document.
Historic Treaties and Treaty First Nations in Canada Infographic
Click on the numbers in the squares above the map image to learn more about the relevant treaties.
Indigenous Voices on Treaties
Indigenous speakers share their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario.

Other Treaty Resources

Whose Land
A web-based app that uses GIS technology to assist users in identifying Indigenous Nations, territories, and Indigenous communities across Canada. The app can be used for learning about the territory your home or business is situated on, finding information for a land acknowledgement, and learning about the treaties and agreements signed across Canada.
Native Land
An interactive map that is a work in progress by Native Land Digital, an indigenous-led organization, with an Indigenous Executive Director and Board of Directors who oversee and direct the organization. Numerous non-Indigenous people also contribute as members of its Advisory Council.
We Are All Treaty People
A video about the Anishinabek Nation.