The Gordon Foundation has been working with schools to bring Treaty Simulations to classrooms. Now, new Educator Toolkits are available for teachers in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon who want to run Treaty Simulations.

Modern Treaties are a significant part of our history, present, and future. Since 2017, the Gordon Foundation has worked with partners and experts to host Treaty Simulations – hands-on learning experiences where participants learn to negotiate and implement part of a fictional Modern Treaty, in a format like the Model UN.

The events usually target 18-30-year-olds and take place over a few days in a hotel, conference center, or community space. But recently, we’ve brought Treaty Simulations to schools so that secondary students can learn about Modern Treaties.

At a Classroom Treaty Simulation at the F.H. Collins Secondary School, students developed skills including teamwork, public speaking, and research.

For School Treaty Simulations, the model is adjusted for a classroom environment and a high school audience, providing a learning opportunity for anyone over the age of 15, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.  

“I think we were all blown away at [the students’] level of preparedness and professionalism on the day of the Treaty Simulation. They did great and should be proud of their accomplishment… Personally, I feel energized and was very pleased to be part of something so meaningful.” – Dennis Zimmermann, a contractor to Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Yukon University Instructor who helped lead a Treaty Simulationfor Grade 10 Indigenous Academy students.

We’ve hosted Treaty Simulations at the Nisga’a Secondary School in New Aiyansh, BC, the Wood Street Centre School in Whitehorse, Yukon, the Chief Albert Wright School in Tulita, NWT, the Ehtseo Ayha School in Délı̨nę, NWT, and the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School, in Behchokǫ̀ NWT. We also host yearly Treaty Simulations with Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa and Nunavik Sivunitsavut in Montreal.  

Earlier this year, we hosted a Treaty Simulation at F.H. Collins Secondary School. Grade 12 Social Studies students learned how to implement a Modern Treaty with the help of advisors – vital for intergenerational connections and transferring treaty knowledge to youth. 

L to R: Anthony Price, Lars Jessup, Lisa Hutton, and Sarah Kitz teaching about Modern Treaties at the F.H. Collins Secondary School Classroom Treaty Simulation.

“The Simulation went very well. Each of the students really stepped up for the occasion.” – Anthony Price, a teacher at F.H. Collins Secondary School, in Whitehorse, Yukon.

For teachers who want to run Treaty Simulations on their own, we partnered with education departments to create region-specific Educator Toolkits for the Northwest Territories and Yukon. The toolkits help educators plan, prepare, and execute a Treaty Simulation that integrates their classroom learning goals.  

Nunavut Sivuniksavut students show their Certificates of Completion after completing a Treaty Negotiation Simulation experience.

The Northwest Territories Educator Toolkit lesson plans can add to or replace existing lessons in Northern Studies – Living Together. Educators determine how to integrate lesson plans from the Toolkit, ensuring students meet the curricular outcomes. Our virtual training sessions help teachers learn how to use the Toolkit and connect them with experienced advisors and knowledge keepers in their region.  

The Northwest Territories Educator Toolkit is now incorporated into the NWT Secondary School curriculum. The Yukon Educator Toolkit is being adapted into the new Yukon First Nation 12 Studies course, through First Nation School Board-run secondary schools.  

Selma Ford (former Program Director) and Steven Showalter (Learning and Engagement Coordinator) attended the NWT Teacher’s Association Conference to discuss treaty education with educators from across the North.

The School Treaty Simulation program successfully engages teachers and students in Modern Treaty education. Students gain skills that they can carry beyond the classroom, including negotiation, teamwork, public speaking, and research. Treaty Simulations also foster understanding and respect for different values, perspectives, and worldviews. Evaluations show that students often become more confident and increase their interest in Historical and Modern Treaties.  

“I knew nothing about treaties beforehand. It opened up a new topic for me to learn and think about.” – Student participant, when asked if the event made them more interested in treaties.

If you’re interested in hosting a classroom Treaty Simulation, check out our  Northwest Territories and Yukon Educator Toolkits. You can find a wealth of treaty education resources at understandingtreaties.ca. If you have any questions, our team is always happy to chat.

The Foundation acknowledges those who have guided the Treaty Simulation development process, providing knowledge and highly skilled consultation. The contributions from these professionals are a testament to the passion these individuals have for helping future leaders engage in treaties.