Video Launched During Treaties Recognition Week Explores the True History of Treaty No. 9

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is marking Treaties Recognition Week with the launch of a new educational video exploring the history of Treaty No. 9, the promises made to First Nations, and the ongoing struggle to have those promises honoured.

“Our Treaties are not just historical documents. They are living agreements that define our relationship with the Crown and the responsibilities we share,” said NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “Our ancestors entered into Treaty in good faith, with the understanding that we would share the land and prosper together. But much of what they were promised was never written down, and many of those promises remain unfulfilled.”

“It is important that our young people, and all Canadians, understand the true history of our Treaties. We need to understand not only what was written, but what our ancestors understood and agreed to. That is the spirit and intent of Treaty, and it must continue to guide our relationship with the Crown today.”

Grand Chief Fiddler carried that message directly to Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers at the First Nations–First Ministers’ Meeting in Ottawa on October 26.

“Our Treaties should not be seen as obstacles to your economic agenda. They should be viewed as the foundation of our relationship. That is the only way we can make meaningful progress — if there is respect on both sides. According to those who were there to witness the signings, the Treaties were designed for peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit. If we honour those, we will have prosperity. Honour the Treaties, implement the Treaties.”

Launched during Treaties Recognition Week (Nov. 1-7), the video explores the history of Treaty-making in Canada, the signing of Treaty No. 9 and the Ontario portion of Treaty No. 5, and the experiences of the Nishnawbe Aski people from their first encounters with treaty commissioners to the ongoing fight to have Treaty rights respected and honoured.

The video is being distributed to NAN elementary schools as an educational resource and is available for everyone to watch and share.

First entered into in 1905-1906, Treaty No. 9 covers the watersheds of James Bay and Hudson Bay — approximately two-thirds of Ontario’s landmass. It is the only Treaty signed by both Canada and Ontario. Treaty No. 5 was signed in 1875, with an adhesion signed in 1910 that includes several NAN First Nations near the Manitoba border.

Developed by NAN’s Governance and Treaty Implementation Department and Treaty Education Program, the video tells the story of Treaty No. 9 from the perspective of the Nishnawbe Aski people. It illustrates the understanding of our ancestors when they entered into Treaty with the Crown and the differences between what was promised and what was written.

Watch the video and learn more at www.nantreaties.ca

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca