Nation-to-Nation relationships: Understanding Treaties and Wampum Belts

02 November 2022 - by Jenna Robar, Manager of Indigenous Relationships

“The treaties between Canada and us don’t say that we own nothing and Canada owns everything; in fact, they imply the opposite: Canada gets to be Canada by meeting its treaty obligations.

That is, you get to be here at our good grace and our goodwill, not the other way around.”

— Lee Maracle, celebrated poet, author and activist (Sto:lo Nation)

In 2016, the provincial government designated the first week of November to be Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. This year, Treaties Recognition week is November 6–12.

Treaties were being made on Turtle Island well before European contact. Examples of this are the treaties between the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee.

The Hiawatha belt depicts unity between the five nations of the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and Mohawk. Note the tree in the center of the wampum — it is from this peace treaty that the saying ‘bury the hatchet’ originates: The five nations buried their weapons of war to live in peace.

These wampum belts are physical representations of a treaty and are made of rare shells that are harvested in one area on the Eastern seaboard. The importance and respect of these wampum is demonstrated by using these rare shells. Two colours are used: white and blue (or dark purple). The designs, symbols and colours used hold much meaning. For example, a belt with more white indicates that it was created during a time of peace; and more blue indicates that it was created during a time of higher conflict and/or pertains to more serious or political matters.

Wampum agreements are living documents that facilitate equal partnerships. These agreements are referred to figuratively as chains because they bind multiple parties together in agreement and alliance. Part of these agreements was that all parties would come together often to ensure that they were benefiting from it — a process referred to as ‘polishing the chain’ or to renew the relationship, such as the 2013 Epic Canoe Trip to renew the Guswenta.

Wampum is an effective medium for stories, agreements and understandings. They were not easily damaged by cold, heat or moisture. They are portable and could be easily passed on.

Treaties offer a structure for maintaining relationships and sharing the territory that Indigenous peoples have taken care of for centuries. These agreements serve as the pillars for on-going collaboration and engagement as we move towards reconciliation together. Treaties can be thought of as living agreements that should be honoured in their original spirit and intention.

Upholding treaty connections and the need to forage agreements going forward based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership is foundational to a reconciliation journey with Indigenous Peoples.

We hope that you will engage with the following resources to gain deeper understanding of treaty obligations and listen to the voices of various Nations, as they disseminate their history and understandings of wampum.

Resources (Adults and Children)

Wampum Belts

The Guswenta (Two Row Wampum)

The Dish with One Spoon

Covenant Chain Wampum

Current Land Negotiations

Peskotomuhkati Nation: Wampum

Haudenosaunee Confederacy: Wampum

Government of Ontario: TransCanada Trail’s 25 trail markers that honour Indigenous culture and history in this area (Interactive Map)

CBC Kids video on Treaties

Educational resources parents and educators can download

A storytelling video that explains treaties to children