We hosted eleven Treaty Simulations in 2025 with partners new and returning, the most we’ve ever hosted in a year! It was inspiring to see Indigenous youth connect through these hands-on learning experiences. Participants learned about their Modern Treaties and Land Claims Agreements, connected with expert advisors and Elders, and gained invaluable skills for their future careers.
Here are all the Treaty Simulations that took place in 2025:
Qarjuit Youth Council Treaty Simulation, January 2025
We hosted a Treaty Simulation in Inukjuak, Nunavik, Quebec, in partnership with Qarjuit Youth Council and Makivvik. Participants learned about the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement from current leaders and Elder, Louisa Cookie-Brown. Together, they discussed building a new vision for land rights. The week was filled with amazing energy, learning, and meaningful connections.
Participants at the Qarjuit Youth Council Treaty Simulation open the event with throat singing. Photo credit: Michelle Malandra.
7th National Treaty Simulation, February 2025
The annual National Treaty Simulation took place in Ottawa in partnership with the Land Claims Agreements Coalition. Emerging Indigenous leaders learned about treaty negotiation and implementation, guided by Elder Meeka Kakudluk and experienced advisors Dave Joe, Evie Eegeesiak, John B Zoe, Frank Dragon, Lisa Hutton and Robin Bradasch. Youth came together from across the country to make connections, build skills, and immerse themselves in treaty education.
The 7th National Treaty Simulation brought together Indigenous youth from across the country to learn about Modern Treaties and the art of negotiating. Photo credit: Michelle Malandra.
Forum for Young Canadians Treaty Simulations, March 2025
Over the course of three weeks in March, we hosted mini-Treaty Simulations with the Forum for Young Canadians National Summit. The event that brought together young people from across Canada to learn about democratic systems and how they can contribute. Participants learned about Modern Treaties in Canada and how to negotiate to reach consensus.
Nunavut Sivuniksavut Treaty Simulation, April 2025
The Nunavut Sivuniksavut Treaty Simulation took place in Ottawa in partnership with Nunavut Sivuniksavut. Students split up into three teams representing the Government of Nunavut, the Government of Canada, and Qikiqtani Inuit Association to discuss a management plan for a fictitious caribou herd. The discussions were lively and full of passion from students and advisors.
A Nunavut Sivuniksavut student lights the qulliq, a traditional oil lamp which has significant cultural meaning for Inuit, at the start of the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Treaty Simulation. Photo credit: Michelle Malandra.
Wood Street Centre School Treaty Simulation, April 2025
The Wood Street Centre School Treaty Simulation took place in Whitehorse, Yukon. Students learned about treaty implementation while representing the Yukon Government, the Southern Lakes First Nation, and a fictional mining company to negotiate implementation under the Umbrella Final Agreement. It was great to see students engaged in their Modern Treaty.
Nisg̱a’a Youth Treaty Simulation, May 2025
We hosted the Nisg̱a’a Youth Treaty Simulation in Gitlaxt’aamiks (New Aiyansh) in partnership with the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government. Students learned about the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement (or Nisg̱a’a Treaty) from expert advisors Brian Tait, Frank Dragon, and Daniel Quan-Watson. The passion and dedication of all participants at this event were inspiring.
Frank Dragon (left) teaches students about Modern Treaty negotiation at the Nisg̱a’a Youth Treaty Simulation. Photo Credit: Michelle Malandra.
Council of Yukon First Nations Treaty Simulation, July 2025
The Council of Yukon First Nations Treaty Simulation took place at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon with staff from the Health, Natural Resources & Implementation departments. Participants worked hard to negotiate further protections for the Yukon River. They divided up into three teams: the Council of Yukon First Nations, the Yukon Government, and the Government of Canada, and learned from experienced advisors Judy Gingell, Daniel Quan-Watson, and Tony Penikett.
Participants of the Council of Yukon First Nations Treaty Simulation prep their opening statements to negotiate further protections for the Yukon River. Photo credit: Michelle Malandra.
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Treaty Simulation, August 2025
Our first partnership with Biigtigong Nishnaabeg took place near the shores of Lake Superior. Participants negotiated a fictional co-management Plan for Boreal Caribou and learned from expert advisors JoAnne Michano, Dustin Seguin, Janell Jackson, and Chris Surita. Participants worked hard, putting themselves in the shoes of treaty negotiators.
Participants sit at the negotiation table at the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Treaty Simulation. Photo credit: Michelle Malandra.
Naskapi Nation Treaty Simulation, October 2025
Our first Treaty Simulation hosted with the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach took place at the Naskapi Community Center. Participants learned from Chief Louise Nattawappio, Deputy Chief Marianne Chescappio, and Julie Mameanskum. It was an inspiring event filled with learning, collaboration, and discussion about treaty negotiations and what they mean for future generations.
GNWT Teacher Training Treaty Simulation, November 2025
A virtual Treaty Simulation with the Government of the Northwest Territories led teachers through a Treaty Simulation and trained them on how to use the NWT Educator Toolkit, a resource for teachers looking to host Classroom Treaty Simulations. The virtual event built teachers’ knowledge of treaties and connected them to experienced Advisors and Knowledge Keepers in the NWT. We are open to developing this resource with other interested Nations.
F.H. Collins Secondary School Treaty Simulation, November 2025
The F.H. Collins Secondary School Treaty Simulation took place in Whitehorse, Yukon. Students split up into three teams representing the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Yukon Government, and Government of Canada to develop a fictional Salmon Relationship and Recovery Implementation Plan. The students were energetic and passionate as they learned vital negotiation skills.
