SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

Healing through Art: The Legacy of the Williams Treaties

Advertisement

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

By Fiona Tapp

The Williams Treaties were signed between seven First Nations and the governments of Canada and Ontario 100 years ago, in 1923. They were the last historic land cession treaties and transferred nearly all the remaining Indigenous land in southern Ontario to the Crown. Their legacy continues to affect that land and the people who live on it today.

The Chippewa peoples of Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island in the Lake Simcoe area signed between October 31 and November 7, 1923, with the Mississauga peoples of Alderville, Scugog Island, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha signing between November 15 and 21, 1923.

The Peoples who had lived in these territories for generations received one-time payments worth only a fraction of the lands’ true value, and were no longer allowed to hunt, fish, or trap in areas outside of their reserves. As this latter condition was in stark contrast to previous treaties, it is now understood that the Indigenous signatories were misled and purposefully denied access to the land for traditional use.

The legacy of these treaties includes decades of harassment and arrests of Indigenous peoples who protested against the treaty conditions, arguing that they never agreed to relinquish their hunting and fishing rights. Several court hearings and lawsuits have also been fought over the treaties, the most recent of which was settled in 2018.

Making Space for Art

As we reflect—through a lens of truth and reconciliation—on the Williams Treaties, their history, and their impact on the communities they affected, we grapple with issues of colonialism, land rights, and healing.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $16.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .
Avatar photo

Fiona Tapp is a former teacher and school administrator of 13 years. She writes about education, parenting, and travel for a variety of publications including National Geographic, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The Sunday Times, and many more.

Education News

Trent University and Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Launch First-of-its-Kind Double Degree

Students will graduate with both a Bachelor of Arts and Science and a Doctor of Naturopathy degree in this accelerated seven-year pathway.

Communities Nationwide to Defend the Freedom to Read at “Right to Read Night” During Banned Books Week

At a time when the very freedom to read is at risk, communities across the nation are joining together for Right to Read Night, a powerful evening of discussion, reflection, and action.

Debut YA Graphic Novel Explores Grief, Friendship, and the Great Unknown

This Fall, Emanata, the young adult graphic novel imprint of Conundrum Press, will publish “Quiet Crossings,” a poignant and visually rich debut by Toronto-based artist Vivi Partridge, with colour by Janaina Spada.

Leaves and Literacy: 8 Strategies to Get K–2 Students Back into Reading This Fall

Fall is a season of fresh starts. The habits established in these first months ripple forward into lasting reading success.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

Fiona Tapp
Fiona Tapp
Fiona Tapp is a former teacher and school administrator of 13 years. She writes about education, parenting, and travel for a variety of publications including National Geographic, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The Sunday Times, and many more.

Advertisement

Read More

Planting Seeds of Knowledge: Life Lessons from an Educational Farm

Waynesboro Education Farm is an ambitious project. It sits on 1.5 acres of land adjacent to Berkeley Glenn Elementary school in the city of Waynesboro, VA.

Trent University and Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Launch First-of-its-Kind Double Degree

Students will graduate with both a Bachelor of Arts and Science and a Doctor of Naturopathy degree in this accelerated seven-year pathway.

Communities Nationwide to Defend the Freedom to Read at “Right to Read Night” During Banned Books Week

At a time when the very freedom to read is at risk, communities across the nation are joining together for Right to Read Night, a powerful evening of discussion, reflection, and action.

Debut YA Graphic Novel Explores Grief, Friendship, and the Great Unknown

This Fall, Emanata, the young adult graphic novel imprint of Conundrum Press, will publish “Quiet Crossings,” a poignant and visually rich debut by Toronto-based artist Vivi Partridge, with colour by Janaina Spada.

Explorations in Biology Through Origami, 3D Modeling, and Optical Illusions

Blending art and biology through hands-on paper-folding activities is a fun and unique way to engage students at the elementary level.

4 Places Teachers Can Buy Custom Assistive Technology Devices for Schools

Custom assistive devices empower students with disabilities by fostering independence, building skills, and supporting full inclusion in the classroom.
calientecasimo | casinospel gratis slots | caliente mx logo | play city casino plaza real | como ganar dinero rapido y facil | fun88 casino | máquinas progresivas | maquinas simples ejemplos | casino quinta san antonio | ganar dinero con blogger 2017 | momio progol | casino maquinas tragamonedas | el casino del diablo dibujo | no deposit bonus casino | casinos que regalan dinero sin depósito 2022 | juegos de maquinitas | 1win casino | ganar dinero creando software | como se juega el poker | juegos de apuestas en linea | salon casino real | tips para la ruleta | maquina tragamonedas precio | como se juega monopoly | caliente online casino | como ganar dinero con juegos android | time casino | las mejores páginas para ganar dinero por internet | ganar dinero de forma pasiva en internet | paypal ganar dinero 2017 | barona casino | ruleta de twister para girar | tragamonedas casino | terminal casino de la selva | california hotel casino las vegas | casino naval | casino prestige | caliente x | máquinas tragamonedas recomendadas más jugadas | qué es un código promocional | spin casino app | descargar juegos de casino gratis sin internet | juegos de casino online en venezuela | calientesports mx liga mx | casino jack | casino palace puebla | ganabet sportium | online slot machines | casino hooro | casinos en la paz |