Classroom Treaty Simulations

What is a Treaty Simulation?

Students are divided into teams representing the negotiating parties and are tasked with a scenario related to negotiating and/or implementing a treaty or other agreement. Guided by advisors, students create proposals and negotiate to reach a consensus. For a visual representation, watch our Treaty Simulation Explainer video.

You and your students can start a treaty learning journey today! Dig into our Treaties Video Series featuring advisors in the field. Please contact us if you would like to run a Treaty Simulation in your classroom or want to see a customized Educator Toolkit for your region.

Outcomes of a Treaty Simulation

Educator Toolkits for Treaty Simulations in the Classroom

To support the Treaty Simulation model, The Foundation has created additional learning materials and resources, including regional Educator Toolkits for Treaty Simulations in the Classroom, and educator training events.

Our Educator Toolkits are accessible in full only through passwords provided to educators and staff in the corresponding regions. Check out the preview versions for a glimpse into these valuable resources. Contact us to access a Toolkit.

The Treaty Simulation model is a model of The Gordon Foundation (TGF) and not made available to the general public. All materials developed by TGF are owned by TGF. Anyone using TGF materials must notify and credit TGF.

NWT Educator Toolkit

Created in partnership with the Government of Northwest Territories Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

Preview
Full access (password protected)

Yukon Educator Toolkit

Created in partnership with Government of Yukon, Aboriginal Relations.

Preview
Full access (password protected)

“As a teacher, I appreciated having the opportunity to see the Gordon Foundation facilitators roll out the simulation. I feel much more confident and prepared for a time in the future when I am the one hosting the simulation.”

2023 Treaty Simulation pilot classroom teacher

“The most effective way to engage students with something I wish I was exposed to when I was a student here.”

2023 Treaty Simulation pilot classroom teacher

“My experience was very eye-opening. I had very little prior knowledge but came in with huge interest in this line of work. I realise now how important and educational the simulation was, especially involving youth in it, someone like me, who now has a better understanding.”

2020 Treaty Simulation participant

“The event allowed us to share our experience and in-depth knowledge, while helping emerging leaders build real skills to effect change in their communities and to advance a path towards self-determination.”

Advisor

“This work I know is an investment in our youth and also an investment in our future as Indigenous Governments and Citizens.”

Dave Joe | Negotiator, Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement

“What’s happening here is a transfer of knowledge.”

Dr. Joseph Gosnell | Negotiator, Nisga’a Treaty

“As a teacher, I appreciated having the opportunity to see the Gordon Foundation facilitators roll out the simulation. I feel much more confident and prepared for a time in the future when I am the one hosting the simulation.”

2023 Treaty Simulation pilot classroom teacher

“The most effective way to engage students with something I wish I was exposed to when I was a student here.”

2023 Treaty Simulation pilot classroom teacher

“My experience was very eye-opening. I had very little prior knowledge but came in with huge interest in this line of work. I realise now how important and educational the simulation was, especially involving youth in it, someone like me, who now has a better understanding.”

2020 Treaty Simulation participant

“The event allowed us to share our experience and in-depth knowledge, while helping emerging leaders build real skills to effect change in their communities and to advance a path towards self-determination.”

Advisor

“This work I know is an investment in our youth and also an investment in our future as Indigenous Governments and Citizens.”

Dave Joe | Negotiator, Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement

“What’s happening here is a transfer of knowledge.”

Dr. Joseph Gosnell | Negotiator, Nisga’a Treaty

“… Agreements need to be implemented, and that means that it goes beyond the people that have negotiated, onto a new generation of young people who can prepare themselves to know about those treaties… to give them a seed for something that they can pursue and be part of, so that if they go into higher education or they want to gain more about Indigenous knowledge, then they have an opportunity to seek it while they’re young so that they can take leadership in designing and doing implementation to make sure that those treaties become fruitful in its application.”
~ Dr. John B. Zoe
Citizen of Tłı̨chǫ Nation, Northwest Territories
Negotiator, Tłı̨chǫ Agreement

“Getting an education will lead to better things, not just for them, but potential to be the next leaders in this whole process of negotiating treaties”
~ Frank Dragon
Citizen of the Gwich’in Nation, Northwest Territories
Negotiator, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Financial Fiscal Agreement, Maanulth Final Agreement, British Columbia