b'ANISHINABEK NATIONPhoto courtesy of Ansihinabek Nation.This Is My TreatyShows Early Readers Their Responsibility in Treaty RelationshipT his Is My Treaty is a bookAs we navigate the relationshiprelatable and creates inclusive that shares the foundationalbetween Indigenous and non-Indigenousenvironments of understanding forelements of Treaty relation- people, education plays a critical role inall students.ships for ages three to six.fostering understanding, empathy andThis Is My Treaty uses the word this Learning about the Treaty relationshiprespect, says Crawford.instead of that to express that Treaty is can begin at an incredibly early age.The imagery used in the book isclose to the individual and not something Written by Treaty educator Kellyphotography by Sara Cornthwaite ofin the past. Treaties are living documents Crawford of MChigeeng FirstNipissing First Nation and Charlesand not a thing of the past.Nation and Anishinabek NationFiado of Toronto, Ont. The photosLast year marked the 30th anniversary communications director Marci Becking,were specifically selected to encourageof the shooting death of unarmed land This Is My Treaty aims to engage learnersstudents to understand that we all havedefender Anthony Dudley George with treaty concepts that are related toresponsibilities in the Treaty relationship. of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation concepts in their curriculum such asEducators can use the book as aby an Ontario Provincial Police sniper. sharing and the meaning of promises. platform to discuss concepts of Treaties.Treaty education was an important Responsible Treaty citizenshipThis Is My Treaty can be used in earlyrecommendation from the 2007 requires an understanding of the spiritchildhood education, KindergartenIpperwash Inquiry Report.and intent of the Treaty beyond simplyand Grade 1, in addition to a varietyThe Government of Ontario passed recognizing rights, says Crawford. Theof learning environments. Students atthe Treaties Recognition Week Act, 2016, book speaks to the joint responsibility forthis age can clearly make connections towhich declared that Treaties Recognition land, animals, water and relations withthese concepts as they are fundamentalWeek happen annually the first full week each other. to their learning at this age. The book isin November. available in English, Anishinaabemowin The Truth and Reconciliationand French. There are several sightThe Anishinabek Nation Commission of Canada: Calls to Actionwords used and a focus on repetition toCommunications Department has been Report emphasizes Treaty education asreinforce student learning. committed to producing treaty education a crucial component to reconciliation.The book also contains educatorresources for the public, as well as for This includes a call for mandatorysupports to encourage discussion andschools that makes connections to the age-appropriate curriculum on Indianconnections to the Treaties, such as whatOntario Curriculum. To order This Is My residential schools, Treaties andis a promise and what does responsibilityTreaty and other treaty education books Indigenous contributions to Canada forlook like? The word promise in theor resources, email orders@anishinabek.ca Grades K to 12.Ontario curriculum is age appropriate,or visit goodminds.com.34l I ssue2 2025/26C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'