November 1 to 7: Rainbow Schools take part in Treaties Recognition Week

Staff and students in Rainbow Schools will continue to learn about treaties and the importance of the treaty relationship during Treaties Recognition Week from November 1 to 7, 2026. Educational activities and learning are part of Rainbow District School Board’s continued focus on truth and reconciliation.

“During Treaties Recognition Week, students will continue to deepen their knowledge and build understanding of the truth as we align our commitment with our actions,” said Bruce Bourget, Chief Executive Officer for Rainbow District School Board. “Ongoing learning about treaties and treaty relationships will move us forward on our path towards reconciliation.”

The Province of Ontario passed legislation in 2016 that recognizes the importance of treaties, brings awareness to treaty relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Ontario, and bridges understanding between treaty partners.

Treaties Recognition Week was implemented in response to the 94 Calls to Action identified in the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Resources were provided to schools to support classroom teaching and learning.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening in Rainbow Schools:

A.B. Ellis Public School students will explore treaties, including the Robinson Huron Treaty, the meaning of treaties, as well as our collective responsibility to continue the journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Information will be shared during daily announcements, and classroom discussions will continue with read-alouds to encourage students to make connections and ask questions. Some classes will explore books including “Dakota Talks About Treaties” and “Alex Shares His Wampum Belt” by Kelly Crawford. Students will also design wampum belts that represent friendship promises. Older students will explore “We Are All Treaty People” – focusing on the role of wampum belts. Students will learn about the original intent behind treaties, when they were signed, and common myths and misunderstandings about them. Through a variety of learning opportunities, students will build their understanding of treaty relationships and the importance of honouring agreements, keeping promises, and showing respect for one another.

Adamsdale Public School students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will learn about the treaties connected to the land where we live, learn and play. As a school, students will create a “We Are All Treaty People” collaborative mural. Each class will contribute handprints that reflect how we can show respect, build relationships, and work toward reconciliation. Through age-appropriate stories and discussions, students will explore the importance of treaties and our shared responsibility to honour them. Together, we will reflect on how we can continue to learn and listen.

Algonquin Road Public School students will continue to build on their knowledge and understanding of treaties. Each day, students will engage in opportunities for learning and reflection during morning announcements and age-appropriate lessons within the classroom through the use of a variety of texts and media explorations. Younger students will learn about the importance of keeping a promise and honouring commitments while older students will delve into a more advanced study of treaties, specifically the Robinson Huron Treaty. Discussions will focus on the importance of understanding treaties and how everyone has a role in reconciliation.

Assiginack Public School students and staff will explore the importance of treaties and the shared responsibilities they represent. Some classes will investigate treaties including local treaties – the Manitoulin Treaties of 1836 and 1862 as well as the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 – while others will explore the legal definition of treaties, examine the Crown’s interpretation of treaty rights and analyze Treaty 9 language, including the rights to hunt, fish and trap. Kindergarten students are learning about what it means to be treaty people. Working together, students will establish simple classroom promises, for example “we share our toys” and “we listen to each other.” Each student will take a turn signing the treaty to help them understand how agreements can support fairness, respect, and a sense of shared responsibility.

Barrydowne College students and staff are invited to mark Treaties Recognition Week on Monday, November 2nd. Staff and students will gather to take part in a virtual wampum teaching session. A wampum belt made by Barrydowne students will be on display. Students will explore treaties including the Robinson Huron Treaty, the meaning of treaties, as well as our collective responsibility to continue the journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Using the bead loom, art students will design wampum belts that represent friendship promises. Inquiry-based assignments on Treaty rights and responsibilities will be incorporated into the Literacy Course where students will design a corresponding media product later in the week.

C.R. Judd Public School students will take part in a variety of learning opportunities for Treaties Recognition Week. Through books such as “A Promise is a Promise”, classroom discussions, and videos, students will explore the importance of treaties and the commitments they represent. Learning will emphasize that treaties are living promises that we all share a responsibility to respect and honour.

Central Manitoulin Public School staff and students will learn about treaties throughout the week. In daily announcements, students will explore authors, Indigenous perspectives, relationships, and ways we can all help care for the land. As students explore relationships and responsibilities, they will learn what it means to be a Treaty person. As a school, we will create a Treaty Tree and share our responsibilities. Junior and intermediate students will explore the Manitoulin Island Treaty of 1836 – Treaty 45/Bond Head Treaty. Staff and students will collectively continue to build an understanding of the importance of treaties, relationships, respect, responsibility and reconciliation.

Churchill Public School staff and students will mark Treaties Recognition Week in a variety of ways. Students will learn about treaty rights and relationships through classroom learning including wampum belt making and read-alouds of Kelly Crawford’s books “Alex Shares his Wampum Belt” and “Dakota Talks about Treaties”.

Copper Cliff Public School staff and students will participate in learning opportunities to help develop an understanding of treaties, including their history and importance today. Each day, students will explore themes such as what promises are, how treaties were made, the wampum belt and local treaties. These activities will help students develop a deeper appreciation for the significance of treaties and the responsibilities they represent.

Lansdowne Public School students will engage in meaningful learning experiences that deepen their understanding of treaties, their historical significance, and their continued importance today. Throughout the week, students will explore the meaning of promises and agreements, the significance of the wampum belt, local treaty territories, and will read various books such as “Alex Shares his Wampum Belt” by Kelly Crawford and “A Promise is a Promise” by Michael Kusugak and Robert Munsch.

Larchwood Public School staff and students will mark Treaties Recognition Week in various ways. Junior students will learn what a treaty is and the significance behind wampum belts. Students will listen to “Alex Shares His Wampum” by Kelly Crawford and Donald Chretien and will create their own wampum belts on grid paper to be displayed in the school. Primary classes will read and discuss “Under One Sun: Treaty Days” and “Under One Sun: What Do Treaties Mean to You?” written by Jackie Taypotat and Calvin Racette and illustrated by Leah Dorion.

Lasalle Elementary School students will take part in lessons and activities designed to develop and enhance their understanding of treaties, including discussions about what a promise is and why keeping a promise is important. Students will engage in classroom read-alouds that emphasize the importance of agreements, relationships and respect. Learning opportunities help students better understand the significance of the wampum belt. Discussions will focus on how developing an understanding of treaties is connected to reconciliation.

Lasalle Secondary School staff will engage students in a variety of meaningful learning experiences that deepen their understanding of treaties, Indigenous perspectives, and our shared responsibilities as treaty people. Students will explore the “We Are Treaty People” kit, recreate the 1764 wampum belt using LEGO, and learn about the Two Row Wampum and the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 (Treaty 61), on whose territory the school is situated. Students will participate in digital mapping inquiries through “Whose Land Are We On?”. They will also explore Indigenous communities around the world and examine the historical and contemporary significance of treaties, including the importance of honouring agreements and the consequences when promises are not upheld. Some classes will explore current political discussions surrounding Alberta separatism and the importance of Indigenous consultation and treaty rights. Other learning opportunities include a four-day inquiry into treaty relationships, Indigenous legal traditions, and modern agreements. Students will also explore Firemakers – a song written and performed by Indigenous youth from Lac La Croix First Nation – using their voices to reflect on identity, community, land and shared responsibility. Physical education classes will explore the history of the canoe and its significant role in Canada, including its importance to Indigenous Peoples, travel, trade, and connections to the land and waterways. These thoughtful and engaging learning opportunities reflect the school’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, meaningful Indigenous education, and helping students understand that we are all treaty people and that treaties remain relevant in our lives today.

Little Current Public School students and staff will support the ongoing work and commitment to truth and reconciliation by learning about treaty rights through First Nation stories using a variety of resources.

Lockerby Composite School will explore the significance of Treaties in Ontario through learning opportunities and presentations that support truth and reconciliation. As treaty partners, students and the school community will deepen their understanding of the collective rights and responsibilities associated with two important wampums: the Two Row Wampum and the Dish With One Spoon.

MacLeod Public School staff and students will support the ongoing work and commitment to truth and reconciliation by learning about treaty rights through First Nation stories and a variety of resources.

Manitoulin Secondary School classes will gather for a school feast after teachings from Sunset Sagutch on Tuesday, November 3rd. Some classes will develop a better understanding of teachings in the school tipi with a fire where they will learn about treaties, wampum belts in the 1700s, the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 and the Treaty of Manitoulin Island from 1862. Students are encouraged to bring a feast bundle with a cup, bowl/plate and utensils. On Friday, November 6th, first period classes will share presentations to honour Indigenous Veterans’ Day which will take place on Sunday, November 8th. For Treaties Recognition Week, they will discuss the settlement decision by the Supreme Court of Canada (2024). They will also watch an interview with leaders from Manitoulin Island, Birch Island, and Garden River that will discuss whether or not the settlement corrects the injustice of the past regarding the details within the Robinson-Huron Treaty.

Monetville Public School will take time to learn about the significance of treaties and the important relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Through classroom discussions, learning activities, and age-appropriate resources, students will explore the history and ongoing importance of treaties, the commitments they represent, and our shared responsibilities. Students and staff will deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives, reflect on the importance of truth and reconciliation, and recognize that treaties continue to shape our lives and communities today.

Princess Anne Public School staff and students will learn about the importance of treaties and the shared responsibilities they represent. Through classroom discussions, read alouds including “ We Are All Treaty People” by Maurice Switzer, and interactive lessons, students will explore what it means to be a treaty person and how treaties continue to shape relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Ontario.

R.H. Murray Public School will begin each day by listening to our Intermediate students read scripts that highlight important treaty concepts, definitions, and local history. Throughout the week, each class will participate in age-appropriate learning activities designed to deepen students’ awareness and understanding of treaties and their significance. Through classroom discussions and engaging activities, students will explore the importance of treaties, the promises they represent, and our shared responsibility to honour and uphold these commitments.

Redwood Acres Public School students will learn what treaties are and the importance of keeping a promise. Various texts will reinforce this message to students including “Alex Shares his Wampum Belt” and “Dakota Talks About Treaties” by Kelly Crawford. Various classes will also make wampum belts and discuss their significance. Students and staff will reflect on their collective promise and commitment to truth and reconciliation.

S. Geiger Public School students will continue to build on their knowledge and awareness of treaty rights and relationships through classroom learning activities, including read-alouds of “Alex Shares his Wampum Belt” by Kelly Crawford and “My Heart Fills With Happiness” by Monique Gray Smith. Students will make and exchange friendship bracelets to demonstrate the importance of friendship, loyalty and honouring promises. Students will deepen their understanding of the role we all play as treaty people and partners through acceptance and positive communication.

Walden Public School students will take part in learning opportunities designed to deepen their understanding of treaties and their ongoing significance. Throughout the week, students will take part in daily learning and reflection through morning announcements and age-appropriate classroom lessons. Classroom discussions, read-alouds and activities will encourage students to explore the importance of treaties and the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. As part of the week’s activities, select classes will collaborate on a “We Are All Treaty People” display, highlighting the shared responsibilities and relationships that treaties represent. All students will create friendship pins as a way to explore the importance of building relationships grounded in respect, trust and responsibility.

Westmount Avenue Public School will continue its annual tradition of read-alouds focused on treaties and the concept that treaties are promises shared. Staff and students will sign the pledge with a handprint signifying their commitment. The pledge will be proudly displayed in the school. Students will be surprised with a unique tuff tray sensory experience where they create treaty lines for Turtle Island.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217