While most of us have heard reference to the ‘Williams Treaties’ – how many of us actually know much about what they are and how they came to be?
PTBOToday.ca spoke with Dr. Jackson Pind, a professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent and a mixed Settler-Anishinaabe. With roots in Alderville First Nations, his work focuses on Indigenous education, issues and reconciliation.
Dr. Pind says the Williams Treaties were first signed in November 1923, adding it is considered to be among the worst ever signed in Canadian history.
It is Treaties Week in Ontario, and Dr. Pind says that is a great chance to talk more about issues surrounding treaties. He adds education plays a big role in understanding the wrongs of the past.
In 2018, the Williams Treaties First Nations together with the Governments of Ontario and Canada came to a final agreement, settling the litigation. The terms include financial compensation ($666 million by Canada and $444 million by Ontario), recognition of treaty harvesting rights, and the ability for each of the First Nations to add 4,452 ha to their reserve. Additionally, the Governments of Ontario and Canada formally apologized.
To learn more, click here.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
