We are all treaty people: honouring First Nations nationhood and responsibilities
June is Indigenous History Month — a time to honour the rich cultures, diverse Nations and lived realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This week, we centre our attention on First Nations peoples, their sovereignty and the Treaties that shape the land we all live on today.
What does it mean to be a treaty person?
Whether you are First Nations, a newcomer, or a settler descendant, if you live in what is now called Turtle Island (Canada) — you are a Treaty person.
Treaties are not just historical agreements, they are living relationships between First Nations and the Crown — meant to guide how people live together on these lands, based on principles of mutual respect, peace, and sharing.
But for generations, these agreements have been dishonoured. First Nations peoples have upheld their side of Treaty responsibilities while facing systemic violations: land theft, Residential Schools, displacement, and broken promises. Despite this, First Nations peoples continue to lead with vision, dignity and strength.
Treaty education is for everyone
Being a Treaty person means we all have responsibilities:
🔸 To learn the truth about the land we live on
🔸 To uphold the spirit and intent of the Treaties
🔸 To listen to and follow the leadership of First Nations peoples
🔸 To reject erasure, stereotypes, and colonial myths
🔸 To take action toward justice, land return, and reconciliation
You don’t need to be a lawyer or historian to start. You just need curiosity, humility, and a willingness to listen and learn.
Start by learning whose land you’re On
One way to honour First Nations sovereignty is to learn whose traditional and Treaty territory you live on.
🌐 Use this interactive map to begin your journey:
👉 Native-Land.ca
This is not about guilt — it’s about responsibility and relationships.
We are all Treaty people. Let’s act like it.
#IndigenousHistoryMonth #WeAreAllTreatyPeople #TruthBeforeReconciliation #FirstNations #HonourTheTreaties #MakeRoomForUs
