Treaty session explores realities of the histories of Canada and Nation-to-Nation

By Kelly Crawford

TKARONTO—Some 14 staff members from the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs (IAO) office participated in a two-day treaty session in early March where I facilitated.

Many discussions around Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships need to happen. The reality is, we are in a place in time where real histories are only beginning to be taught in our education systems. That is a fact. As a result of this delay, generations do not realize the impacts that these relationships have on their everyday lives.

The session requires participants to open their minds to real discussions that are often uncomfortable but in the end, allow them to feel a great understanding of self and their role on this land.

Authentic learning is often difficult as it requires you to bring in many parts of yourself and really ask difficult questions. Creating a safe place to do this is key. If we expect people to understand us, we must be willing to share our stories truthfully.

IAO Communications Services Branch Director, Tom Zach, and staff actively participated in every activity of the two-day training. In an e-mail to me, he wrote:

“I wanted to thank you on behalf of my staff and myself for the wonderful learning experience we all enjoyed over the past two days.  Your presentation and inter-active activities were fabulous. The feedback to your training from staff was very positive.”

The two-day session included a 101 on the realities of the histories of Canada, open discussions about the reality of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships, Nation-to-Nation Building activity, various activities from the ‘We Are All Treaty People’ teacher’s kit and ‘Gdoo-Sastamoo Kii Mi, Understanding our Nation-to-Nation Relationship: A Practical Teachers Resource Guide.’

The session also included the sharing of personal educational journey experiences by both Kim Debassige and myself. Debassige also brought her niece to the session, which exemplifies how we teach our youth.

“I brought my niece with me to participate and to understand why these types of experiences are so important for all of us,” said Debassige.

All session participants actively engaged in all activities and received a certificate of completion at the end. Future sessions will be planned to engage more people.

“I appreciate you taking the time to significantly increase our understanding of Treaties with First Nations and contributing to my ongoing education as the new kid on the block,” added Zach.

To order treaty education kits and books, email orders@anishinabek.ca.

Kelly Crawford is a citizen of M’Chigeeng First Nation. She holds a Master of Arts-Integrated Studies Degree with a concentration in culture and education from Athabasca University. She is currently a PhD candidate in the Human Studies program at Laurentian University. She is the author of the ‘We Are All Treaty People’ teacher’s kit, Kindergarten to Grade 8; ‘Gdoo-Sastamoo Kii Mi, Understanding our Nation-to-Nation Relationship: A Practical Teachers Resource Guide’; Dakota Talks About Treaties; and Alex Shares His Wampum Belt. Crawford is currently the Assistant Director of Indigenous Initiatives with the University of Toronto.