In the 1830’s, on behalf of the Crown, Lieutenant-Governor Sir John Colborne set aside a clearing of approximately 10,000 acres for our nation between the Narrows (where Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe meet) and Coldwater. The government tried to gather our people together to make them farmers. This was also the beginning of the reserve system which continues today.

During their settlement in the area, our ancestors were successful in establishing the foundations for their communities, building the Coldwater Grist Mill, which still stands in the town of Coldwater, and clearing the way for the route now known as Ontario Highway No. 12. In 1836, the Chiefs signed a document that they understood would provide title to the land but was actually a surrender which gave up the reserve lands.

At that point, what was a large nation of three communities, was separated. Chief Aisance and his band moved to Christian Island; Chief Snake and his band eventually located in Georgina Island; and Chief Yellowhead and his band stayed in this area and are now known as the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. These three First Nations, together known as the Chippewa Tri-Council, still enjoy a strong relationship today. In 2012, the Chippewa Tri-Council settled a claim with the federal government for the Coldwater Narrows Land. It was the largest specific claims settlement in Canadian history at that time.” 

So, which treaty territory are we on? What is now known as North Simcoe is in Williams Treaties territory. The Williams Treaties were signed on October 31 and November 15, 1923, by seven Anishinaabe First Nations and representatives of the Crown. The seven Williams Treaties First Nations are: Alderville First Nation, Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. The treaties involved a one-time cash payment of $25 per person in exchange for over 20,000 square kilometres of First Nations’ right, title, interest, and claim to the land. Since the time of signing, signatories have shared how they were forced to sign the treaties, without lawyers, during one-day negotiations, and never were told about the loss of hunting and fishing rights. Some educators and historians consider the Williams Treaties as among the worst treaties in Canadian history.

The Williams Treaties were renegotiated and reached a $1.1 billion settlement in 2018 which includes: Recognition of pre-existing treaty harvesting rights for First Nations members in certain treaty areas; Federal and provincial apologies for negative impacts of the Williams Treaties on First Nations; Financial compensation of $666 million from Canada and $444 million from Ontario; Additional reserve lands: each First Nation can acquire and apply to add up to 11,000 acres to their reserve land base.

I highly recommend checking out further learning resources:

• 100 years of the Williams Treaties in Ontario: Anishinaabeg perspectives
• Revisiting Williams Treaties 100 years later
• Williams Treaty settlement looks huge in headlines
• Do you know why Chief Island is sacred ground?
• How Lake Couchiching Got Its Name
• Stories of Mnjikaning, the Fish Weirs

It is important to remember that Indigenous communities are still grappling with the legacy of broken treaties today. Ongoing colonialism and systemic racism continues to wreak havoc on Indigenous communities through land dispossession and resource extraction, systemic inequities in social systems (including prisons, the child welfare system, education, and healthcare), the MMIWG2S+ crisis, and poor infrastructure, food insecurity, and lack of clean water on many reserves.

But Indigenous peoples continue to practice their way of life and there are amazing and inspiring initiatives underway to revitalize language, culture, food sovereignty, and land-based learning.

I have been extremely lucky and grateful to have learned so much from many amazing Indigenous people in my community and beyond that have informed my worldview and reaffirmed my purpose – chi miigwech. Though the government has failed and continues to fail Indigenous peoples, we can (and have a responsibility to) take it upon ourselves to educate, reflect, and take action towards true reconciliation, reparations, and allyship. What steps will you take?

Green Orillia is a grassroots organization focused on climate action, social justice, advocacy, education, democracy, and community resilience in Orillia and area. We operate on Anishinaabeg Williams Treaty Territory. Follow Green Orillia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, join the Facebook Discussion Group, sign up for the e-newsletter, or check out the website. Get in touch at greenorillia@gmail.com.