The Anishinabek Nation is marking the tenth anniversary of Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario.
Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige is encouraging everyone to take the time this week to understand and learn about treaty relationships.
“We encourage everyone to learn whose territory they live on, and the history and responsibilities that are attached to it,” says Debassige. “Much of what most know as Ontario is actually treaty land and understanding that is an important step towards respect, accountability, and the reconciliation that is still needed to ensure prosperity of all inhabitants of these lands, and those that come after us.”
Three new treaty education videos are also being launched this week.
They’re part of the Anishinabek Nation’s larger free online treaty education resource – Ezhi-Nawending: How we are Related.
The videos include the talents of actor Sid Bobb, from Stó:lō Nations on the west coast who lives in Nipissing First Nation, and puppeteer and Rabbit and Bearpaws storyteller Chad Solomon, a citizen of Henvey Inlet First Nation.
Officials say the videos teach about wampum belts and individual responsibility in the treaty relationship.
Treaty educator Kelly Crawford, a citizen of M’Chigeeng First Nation, wrote three scripts for videographer Sara Cornthwaite, a citizen of Nipissing First Nation, to produce.
Anishinabek Nation Communications Director Marci Becking directed the videos.
