This message is being shared on behalf of the First Peoples Indigenous Centre.
In Ontario, the first week of November is Treaties Recognition Week. This week invites all of us to learn about the history and ongoing importance of treaties, and to reflect on what it means to live in respectful and reciprocal relationship with one another.
Durham College (DC) acknowledges that our campuses are located on lands covered by the Williams Treaties, signed in 1923 between the governments of Ontario and Canada and seven First Nations: Alderville First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These Nations are the Indigenous rights holders and ongoing caretakers of the lands and waterways where our learning and work take place. Recognizing the Williams Treaties means understanding that these agreements were meant to establish ongoing relationships based on mutual respect, benefit, and shared responsibility.
Throughout the month of November, the First Peoples Indigenous Centre will host Reconciliation Reels, a film series featuring documentaries about treaties and the relationships they represent. These screenings and learning opportunities foster understanding, relationship-building, and cultural awareness across our campus community. We encourage all members of the DC community to participate, learn, and reflect on the significance of these relationships.
All screenings will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Centre for Collaborative Education, Room 141.
If you would like to explore these films on your own, you can stream them directly through the attached links.
A few resources to support your ongoing learning journey include:
Treaties Recognition Week serves as a meaningful opportunity for students, employees, and community members to reflect on what treaty relationships mean in this region. It is a time to learn about the historical impacts of colonization, settlement, and land dispossession on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, while recognizing our shared responsibility to uphold and honour treaty commitments today. Within classrooms, workspaces, and community gatherings, this week encourages thoughtful discussion about how treaty responsibilities connect to our studies, our work, and our daily lives, whether in areas such as land use, governance, education, law, health, or technology.
DC remains committed to building respectful relationships with Indigenous students, colleagues, and communities. By learning about and honouring Treaties, we continue to work toward reconciliation, not only in words, but through daily action, understanding, and shared responsibility.
