Students are getting a close look at the history and importance of treaties this week.
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is acknowledging Treaties Recognition Week.
The province passed legislation in 2016 to make the first week of November Treaties Recognition Week.
Virtual educational sessions, public speakers and cultural events are being held at schools across the region.
Indigenous Education Lead Len Gardner says the board is dedicated to share information on the importance of treaties with students to educate them about roles, responsibilities and obligations that treaties have for all Canadians.
Gardner says, “Our hope that the instruction and sharing of the treaties will help reduce misinformation that occurs about the treaties and share the obligations that are part of the documents so that we can help improve the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.”
He adds, “We’re all treaty people. So we’re all part of these treaties and these are historical documents that were signed nation-to-nation. They are still binding and so a lot of people don’t understand how much impact it does have on Indigenous lives on a daily basis.”
Schools in the KPDSB are situated on traditional lands of Treaty 3, Treaty 5 and Treaty 9.
Gardner says it’s a priority to educate students on these local treaties and their impact on students.
Len Gardner goes on to explain his role as Indigenous Education Lead:
