Photo: © Charles Fiado
Learning about the treaty promises can begin at an incredibly early age and make a lifelong impact. This is my Treaty, a book that shares the foundational elements of treaty relationships for ages three to six, shows us how to start sharing this understanding with early readers.
Written by treaty educator Kelly Crawford of M’Chigeeng First Nation and Anishinabek Nation Communications Director Marci Becking, This is My Treaty aims to engage learners with treaty concepts related to concepts in their curriculum, such as sharing and the meaning of promises.
“Responsible Treaty citizenship requires an understanding of the spirit and intent of the treaty beyond simply recognizing rights,” shared Crawford. “The book speaks to the joint responsibility for land, animals, water, and relations with each other.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action Report emphasizes Treaty education as a crucial component to reconciliation. This includes a call for a mandatory age-appropriate curriculum on Indian Residential Schools, Treaties, and Indigenous contributions to Canada for Grades K to 12.
“As we navigate the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, education plays a critical role in fostering understanding, empathy, and respect,” explained Crawford.
The imagery used in the book is photography by Sara Cornthwaite of Nipissing First Nation and Charles Fiabo of Toronto, Ontario. The photos were specifically selected to encourage students to understand that we all have responsibilities in the treaty relationship.
Treaty Promises in the Classroom
In the classroom, educators can use the book as a platform to discuss concepts of treaties. This is my Treaty can be used in early childhood education, kindergarten, and grade one, in addition to a variety of learning environments.
Students at this age are able to make connections to these concepts, as they are fundamental to their learning. The book is available in English, Anishinaabemowin, and French. Several sight words are used, with a focus on repetition to reinforce student learning.
The book also contains educator supports to encourage discussion and connections to the treaties, such as what a promise is and what responsibility looks like. The word “promise” in the Ontario Curriculum is age-appropriate, relatable, and creates inclusive environments of understanding for all students.
The title holds significant meaning for readers. This is my Treaty uses the word “this” instead of “that” to express that treaty is close to the individual and not something in the past. Treaties are living documents, not things of the past.
30th Anniversary of the Ipperwash Crisis
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the shooting death of unarmed land defender Anthony “Dudley” George of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation by an Ontario Provincial Police sniper. Treaty education was an important recommendation from the 2007 Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry.
The Government of Ontario passed the Treaties Recognition Week Act, 2016, which declared that Treaties Recognition Week happen annually, the first full week in November.
The Anishinabek Nation Communications Department has been committed to producing treaty education resources for the public, as well as for schools that make connections to the Ontario Curriculum.
To order This is my Treaty and other treaty education books or resources, email orders@anishinabek.ca or visit goodminds.com
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The Anishinabek Nation represents 39 First Nations throughout the province of Ontario from Golden Lake in the east, Sarnia in the south, Thunder Bay and Lake Nipigon in the north.