Land of Incalculable Value: A Williams Treaties Overview

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, 100 Years of the Williams Treaties Special Issue, 2023

By Carolyn Gruske

In 1923, three parcels of land in southern Ontario totalling 52,384 km2—or just under five percent of the province—were the subject of a legal process that defined how they could be used and who would control them. The resulting Williams Treaties were not products of traditional treaty negotiations between sovereign First Nations and representatives of the Crown, and their creation sparked not only moral outrage, but also a series of legal challenges that lasted for nearly a century.

While the eventual settlement of the Treaties in 2018 did not wipe away decades of resentment or blot out the centuries of fraught Indigenous-settler relations that were the precursor to the signing of the Treaties, it did mark the end of a dark era, and—perhaps—the start of a better one.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking exclusive content.
Subscribe now for full access.
If you’re already subscribed, please .
Avatar photo

Carolyn Gruske is an award-winning reporter and magazine editor. She often writes about the intersection of business, technology, and the law, but she also has a deep interest in educational topics.

Education News

Emirates “Travel Rehearsal” Programs for Children With Autism

As part of Autism Awareness Month, several milestones have been achieved on Emirates’ journey to make travel more accessible for all.

Is Cybersecurity in Schools a Priority?

In response to mounting cyber threats facing school districts across the country, CoSN has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign.

STEAM and Civility: COSI Launches a New Learning Lunchbox

COSI's new John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox is a hands-on science kit that helps students explore STEAM concepts while also learning the value of civility and civic engagement.

5 Reasons Why Green Schoolyards Earn an A+

Green schoolyards benefit the children who use them by improving mental health, physical health, and learning outcomes.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Carolyn Gruske
Carolyn Gruske
Carolyn Gruske is an award-winning reporter and magazine editor. She often writes about the intersection of business, technology, and the law, but she also has a deep interest in educational topics.

Advertisement

Read More

Learning English Is Tough—Now Imagine Doing It with Dyslexia

How can we create truly inclusive environments that support students with dyslexia in our multilingual classrooms?

Emirates “Travel Rehearsal” Programs for Children With Autism

As part of Autism Awareness Month, several milestones have been achieved on Emirates’ journey to make travel more accessible for all.

From Stress to Success: How EdTool Made Teaching Simpler for Ms. Taylor

Ms. Taylor is a busy teacher who has avoided digital tools whenever possible. It’s not that she’s against technology—she's just short time. Until she discovered an AI tool designed specifically for education.

Calmer Classrooms, One Breath at a Time: How Meditation Can Transform Behavioural Health

As we work to build classrooms that nurture both academic and emotional success, meditation serves as a simple yet powerful tool.

Is Cybersecurity in Schools a Priority?

In response to mounting cyber threats facing school districts across the country, CoSN has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign.

STEAM and Civility: COSI Launches a New Learning Lunchbox

COSI's new John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox is a hands-on science kit that helps students explore STEAM concepts while also learning the value of civility and civic engagement.