Understanding Our Treaties

Historic Treaties and Modern Treaties are important in shaping the relationships between Indigenous peoples and Canada. They define the rights of many Indigenous peoples and their paths for self-determination. The legacy, process, and impact of both types of treaties are important knowledge for Canadians and emerging Indigenous leaders who may be negotiating or implementing treaties.

It is imperative that the next generation of leaders are engaged in treaty work and take part in knowledge transfer from negotiators, Elders, and others who worked for years on the treaties. As time passes, their knowledge is at risk of being lost. Now is the time for the next generation to learn, taking this valuable knowledge with them as they engage in future treaty work.  At the same time, all Canadians should be aware of this knowledge.

Find out about past and future Treaty Simulations.

The Story

The Gordon Foundation collaborated with modern treaty experts, negotiators, and the Land Claims Agreement Coalition (LCAC) to document existing initiatives that teach and engage people on treaties in Canada. Over 50 resources were identified and published in the report, Treaty Negotiators of the Future. The resources are also available through a portal on The Land Claims Agreements Coalition (LCAC) website. Through this report, several gaps and recommendations were developed.

Implementing the Recommendations

In collaboration with various communities, modern treaty experts, negotiators and the Land Claims Agreement Coalition (LCAC), The Foundation has been implementing the report’s recommendation for Treaty Negotiation and Implementation Simulations for emerging Indigenous leaders.

The treaty simulation engages emerging Indigenous leaders in the treaty process, builds intergenerational connections, and transfers knowledge and skills in a stimulating and experiential way. It also builds a network of emerging Indigenous leaders and experts for future learning and support.

The model is also an effective way to explore different perspectives as participants take turns representing negotiators from an Indigenous organization and federal or territorial/provincial governments.

Starting in 2019, several Treaty Simulations have taken place: find out all about them here.