As part of Ontario’s commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, two Northwestern Ontario MPPs are urging urging the public to learn more about treaty rights and their significance.
Sol Mamakwa, an NDP deputy leader and MPP for Kiiwetingoong, released a detailed message on his Twitter account explaining the history and relevance of the treaty relationship.
“In my work, I think a lot about what progress has been made towards respecting treaty relationships in Ontario," Mamakwa said in the video. "Treaties are binding, nation-to-nation agreements. Treaties were signed so that the crown could gain access to land and resources in exchange for meeting the needs of First Nations people.”
Treaties Recognition Week pic.twitter.com/YqEN11z8Qu
— Sol Mamakwa (@solmamakwa) November 7, 2022
Mamakwa said governments have not honoured these binding agreements and added First Nations people face many inequities in their day-to-day lives.
“There is no resource sharing and what First Nations get for support is not even enough to cover basic human needs. Far too many First Nation communities still have no clean drinking water. The education and health care systems are sub-standard. Homes are overcrowded,” Mamakwa said.
Mamkawa stressed that the federal and provincial governments have failed to act to address the basic need of First Nation communities.
“It’s time to remember our commitment to one another. It’s time to respect and honour our sovereignty. It’s time to make a change.”
Meanwhile, Indigenous Affairs Minister and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford issued a statement on Monday marking the start of Treaties Recognition Week.
"Athough many treaties were signed more than a century ago, these agreements remain relevant today and provide the foundation for ongoing co-operation and partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people,” Rickford said.
Rickford said a pathway to reconciliation is through education about treaty awareness.
“The Ontario government is “working with Indigenous and education partners to deliver treaty awareness events in schools and public libraries across the province and continue to expand the teaching and learning resources to support businesses, organizations and all people in Ontario with learning about treaties — a critical step in the path to reconciliation,” Rickford said.
