A journey to understand our treaties.
It is important to understand treaties because they impact all people living in Canada. Treaties are a significant part of our history, present and future. Learning about Treaties is a key part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action. Modern Treaties play an important part in implementing the rights affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The Gordon Foundation’s Treaty Simulation model provides a hands-on learning experience to help participants understand treaties in Canada. Participants gain knowledge, new connections and a deeper interest in treaties. The Foundation runs Treaty Simulations in collaboration with communities, schools and treaty experts.
What is a Treaty Simulation? Participants experience the realities of negotiating and implementing part of a Modern Treaty or Self-Government Agreement, or the implementation of historic treaties in the context of current events. In teams representing Canada, a province or territory, and an Indigenous Nation or organization, participants are guided by experienced advisors as they present their positions and negotiate to reach an agreement.
Our Beginning
In 2017, partners of The Gordon Foundation raised an important issue: the lack of knowledge and interest in Treaties across Canada. Partners noted that it was imperative for the next generation of leaders to be engaged and interested in the treaties. The Foundation began to work with its partners to document existing resources that engage people in treaties, identify any gaps, and propose recommendations. Over 50 resources were identified in the report, Treaty Negotiators of the Future, as well as a series of innovative recommendations to fill the gaps.
Since 2019, in collaboration with various partners, The Foundation has been implementing the report’s recommendation of facilitating Treaty Simulations for emerging leaders. National and regional simulations have taken place both online and in-person, and have included Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. Simulations have focused on issues around land claims, self-government, self-determination and numbered treaties.
In 2020, The Foundation and its partners developed the Understanding Our Treaties website as an online resource to support the Treaty Simulation model, helping to further your learning about treaties in Canada and their impact on your life.
Our Impact
The Treaty Simulation is a powerful experience for participants, leading to the following impacts:
- Appreciate and respect how Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives shape Canada’s political and cultural realities
- Increased engagement in treaties
- Skill-building in negotiation, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, public speaking, leadership, consensus building and teamwork
- Knowledge transfer from experienced advisors
- Intergenerational connections
- Gain historical and geographical knowledge that brings meaning to issues and events
Find out what people are saying about Treaty Simulations – read the testimonials below from participants and advisors who have joined us.
