Treaties Recognition Week began in Ontario in 2016 following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action
Students at two eastern Ontario schools got a hands-on lesson in the history of Indigenous peoples, experiencing how land, culture and resources were taken through a powerful classroom exercise.
The Upper Canada District School Board marked Treaties Recognition Week with traditional Blanket Exercises at Meadowview Public School and Williamstown Public School.
Led by Indigenous Education staff Bill Montgomery and Ryan Jacobs, the activities saw students stand on blankets representing Indigenous lands. As the exercise unfolded, the blankets became smaller, showing how Indigenous communities lost land, food, resources and cultural practices.
Meadowview Grade 6 student Libby Waterman said the experience helped students understand how unfairly Indigenous people were treated.
Fellow student Ava Schruder said learning about the past was important to help prevent similar events from happening again.
Treaties Recognition Week began in Ontario in 2016 following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. The board says Indigenous education remains a priority throughout the school year.
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