Treaties are agreements made between groups of people or nations that establish a framework for coexistence, cooperation, and advancement. In Canada, treaties are a crucial part of the country’s history and present, as they define the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, their rights, obligations, and responsibilities. However, treaty education is still a neglected area in Canadian education, leaving many students with a limited or inaccurate understanding of the treaties’ significance and relevance. In this article, we will explore the importance of teaching students about treaties and ways to integrate them into the curriculum.

Why Teach About Treaties?

Treaties are crucial to understand the issues faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada today. The treaties that were signed long ago continue to impact communities’ lives and shape the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Learning about treaties helps students recognize that Canada’s laws and governance are built on Indigenous land and that Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination and equal opportunities. Treaty education also helps students understand the historical and contemporary implications of colonization, residential schools, and the ongoing process of Truth and Reconciliation. By providing a broad and inclusive understanding of Indigenous peoples and histories, treaty education promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canadian society.

How to Teach About Treaties?

There is no single best way to teach about treaties, as it depends on the students’ age, grade level, interests, and cultural background. However, there are some essential strategies and resources that educators can use to enhance treaty education in their classrooms.

1. Involve Indigenous Voices: A crucial aspect of treaty education is hearing from Indigenous peoples themselves. Invite Indigenous guest speakers, Elders, knowledge-keepers, or cultural leaders to share their perspectives, stories, and teachings. This is an opportunity to build respectful and meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and to learn from each other’s knowledge and experiences.

2. Use Primary Sources: History textbooks and other secondary sources often provide a limited and non-Indigenous perspective on treaties. Instead, use primary sources, such as treaties themselves, official documents, treaties maps, Indigenous oral histories, and multimedia materials, to expose students to diverse perspectives and voices.

3. Connect Treaties to Students’ Context: Teach treaties in a local, regional, or national context that relates to students’ lives and experiences. For instance, explore treaties’ impact on natural resources, land ownership, political boundaries, or economic development in your area. This can help students see the relevance and meaning of treaties in their daily lives.

4. Promote Critical Thinking and Reflection: Treaty education should encourage students to question, analyze, and interpret the information they receive critically. Encourage them to engage in open and respectful discussions, express their perspectives, and challenge their assumptions and biases. It is also essential to provide opportunities for self-reflection and evaluation of learning outcomes, such as through writing, art, or multimedia projects.

5. Use Technology and Social Media: The digital world offers many tools and resources that can enhance treaty education, such as virtual tours, webinars, podcasts, and online interactive platforms. Social media can also be a powerful tool to connect students with Indigenous peoples’ voices and perspectives and to spread awareness and activism on treaty issues.

Conclusion

Teaching students about treaties is an essential step towards building a more equitable, inclusive, and respectful society. It provides a foundation for understanding and reconciling with Indigenous peoples’ histories, cultures, and rights. By using diverse strategies and resources, educators can create meaningful and engaging treaty education that promotes critical thinking, diversity, and compassion. Together, we can build a future where treaties are fully understood, honored, and respected by all.