There’s no better place to learn than outside… but whose land are we on? Have you ever wondered who walked this land before we did? What was here before our school? 

Indigenous people walked this land for up to ten thousand years before we did, and now we can learn more about that. 

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In Canada, Truth and Reconciliation is one of the most important steps we are taking to hold the country accountable for the past horrors committed against the numerous indigenous cultures of this land and to make sure they will not be repeated. One of the most important steps taken as a part of this commission was when Ontario passed Legislation in 2016 so that each year, the first week of November would be celebrated as Treaties Recognition Week.

This week is meant for residents of Ontario, especially students, to learn the importance of the existence of treaties and why it’s crucial for us to uphold them. If more people become aware of treaties and the obligations linked to them, then greater understanding will be built and violence, such as racism, can hopefully end against the indigenous peoples of this land. On a national, provincial, and individual level, we must all condemn the various forms of racism, discrimination, and oppression indigenous peoples face in this country and ensure they can live off of their lands freely and safely. As the first inhabitants of this land, they deserve the utmost respect and understanding from the other citizens of Canada. The only way to achieve this is by educating ourselves and those around us and always having the honouring of Indigenous traditions as a priority in our everyday lives. 

As a part of Treaties Recognition Week, it is important to uplift and listen to Indigenous voices and knowledge. Please take some time out of your week to check out the following resource to learn more about Indigenous traditions and treaties. 
You can also check whose land you’re on by using this link (https://native-land.ca/) .