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Oakville's Treaty Day

Learn About Local Indigenous History

A Treaty Day event to mark the date on which the Mississaugas of the Credit (MCFN), signed their last Treaty in Oakville, Treaty 22. Guest speakers MCFN’s Emma Stelter & Debwewin Lead Georgia LaForme.

Join us on February 28, to mark the date on which the Mississaugas of the Credit (MCFN), signed their last Treaty in Oakville, Treaty 22. Treaty negotiations stated that the land in Treaty 22 was not intended to be a complete surrender and sale, but instead given in trust to the Crown.

So what happened to the local Treaty holders, the MCFN? If this Treaty was signed in trust, why did Treaty 22, which includes coverage of Oakville’s main waterways of Sixteen Mile and Bronte Creek, contribute to leave the Mississaugas homeless?

The Treaty Day event is part of the Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project. At the event, MCFN’s Emma Stelter, Governance and Policy Analyst, and Debwewin Lead Georgia LaForme, will guide us in the relearning of the Treaties’ history and how we can all become Grateful Treaty People. The chat will also dive deeper into the results of a new report by the project that explains the original intention of the Treaties, outlines the shared history of Euro-Canadians and Indigenous people, and explores why the Mississaugas were ousted from Oakville.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to become an Ally by signing the Acts of Allyship Commitment Form.

This Treaty Day Event is open to all.

Background on Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project

‘Debwewin’ refers to one of the Anishinabek seven grandfathers teaching for “truth.” Debwewin: The Oakville Truth Project, is a partnership between the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) and the Oakville Community Foundation. The project is to further our shared understanding of Oakville’s Indigenous past and support local Truth & Reconciliation. Learn more at debwewinoakville.ca. 

The Acts of Allyship is a community based initiative encouraging individuals and organizations to engage in actions to propel reconciliation forward across the community. By sharing the good works that we are doing to engage in understanding, friendship and reciprocity with our Indigenous Allies we can inspire, support and enable each other and our community to advance farther.

“It’s important to know that the original intent of the treaties is that they last forever and are created to ensure the wellbeing and security of future generations. Sometimes this idea is forgotten, and treaties are viewed as one-time contracts but doing so ignores the sacred and evolving nature of these relationships.”

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