Healthy Communities

Treaties Recognition Week: Understanding wampum belts and treaties

02 November 2023 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
"Treaties are not about giving rights to Indigenous Peoples, but rather, they are about recognizing and affirming the rights that Indigenous Peoples already have." – Chief Wilton Littlechild 


As we step into Treaties Recognition Week — November 5–11, 2023 — it's important to understand that this week isn't just a formality; it's a call to action. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to respect, honour, and uphold the sacred agreements made with Indigenous Peoples.


Wampum belts

Treaties were part of Turtle Island's history long before European contact. For example, the Haudenosaunee nations, including Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk, had treaties among them, and the Hiawatha belt — a type of wampum belt— served as a powerful symbol of their unity. In its design, a central tree represents a peace treaty. From this symbolism, the phrase "bury the hatchet" originated with burying weapons and embracing peace.


Wampum belts are more than physical artifacts; they're living documents. Crafted from rare shells collected from the Eastern Seaboard, they signify the profound respect and significance of these agreements. They also aid the memory when telling stories to future generations. The colours used — white and blue or dark purple — convey deeper meanings. White symbolizes times of peace, and blue represents moments of conflict, especially in serious or political matters.


Wampum belts represent the essence of equal partnerships. They're often referred to as chains because they bind multiple parties in agreement and alliance. An essential part of these agreements is the commitment to gather periodically to ensure mutual benefit, a process known as polishing the chain or renewing the relationship. Wampum belts serve as a dynamic medium for preserving stories, forging agreements, and fostering understanding. Resistant to the elements, these portable artifacts have passed from generation to generation intact.


The importance of understanding treaties and their impact

Learning about treaties isn't just a history lesson; it's a crucial step in addressing the historical injustices that continue to affect Indigenous communities. It's an essential part of the path toward reconciliation and healing. When we listen to the voices of Indigenous community members, we gain a richer understanding of the cultural significance of these agreements.


A call to action

Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario is a compelling reminder that each of us has a role in the ongoing journey of reconciliation. When we acknowledge the importance of treaties, listen to the voices of Indigenous relations, and actively engage in the discourse, we're building a foundation for a more equitable and united future. We hope you will engage with the resources below this week and year-round.


Explore more on the topic of treaties

Wampum Belts


The Dish with One Spoon


Covenant Chain Wampum


Current Land Negotiations


Actions

150 Acts of Reconciliation


Events

Twice Colonized: Film Screening in Ajax (November 10)


Treaties Recognition Week/International Inuit Day: Virtual event from the Law Society of Ontario (November 7)


Weesageechak Begins to Dance: Festival with in-person and online presentations (November 6–19)


Renewing Our Treaty Relationships: Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Treaties Week virtual events (November 8–9)


Reading

Treaties Week 2022: Recommended Watching and Reading from the Toronto Public Library


Treaties: Curated reading list by GoodMinds.com


Videos

A Dish with One Spoon Reconsidered, a conversation hosted by the Toronto Public Library


The Wampum Belt: A Nation to Nation Relationship, featuring Maurice Switzer via First Nations University


Treaty Recognition Week video, narrated by Tanya Talaga


Trick or Treaty, a documentary by Alanis Obomsawin


Lost in History — Treaty Making in Canada with Jean-Pierre Morin


The Underlying Importance of Wampum Belts, featuring Alan Ojiig Corbiere


Listening

They Know Not What They Do by Tara Beagan


Resources

A Treaty Guide for Torontonians from the Talking Treaties Collective


10 Treaty Facts by Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.


What’s the Difference between Historic and Modern Treaties? by Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.


Free courses

Durham College’s Indigenous Histories & Reconciliation modules


University of Toronto’s We Are All Treaty People

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