Laurentian Marks Treaties Recognition Week 2026

November 2, 2026 — Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin (RHW), in partnership with Laurentian University, will host five days of teachings, discussions and cultural activities from November 2 to 6 at the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) in N’Swakamok (Sudbury).

Under the theme “E’shkiniigijig Bi-bzigwiiwag | The Youth Are Rising,” this year’s programming highlights youth leadership and the shared responsibility of carrying treaty knowledge forward across generations. The week also marks 10 years since Ontario established Treaties Recognition Week through legislation in 2016.

Provided by Robinson Huron Treaty (RHT) Cultural Advisor and Knowledge Keeper Leroy Bennett for the 2026 Robinson Huron Treaty Gathering, the theme carries forward into Treaties Recognition Week. It emphasizes the relationship between youth and Elders, and the importance of supporting young people as they carry forward treaty responsibilities, protect inherent rights and strengthen their communities.

“Real recognition requires us to understand that treaties are not a thing of the past; they are living, sacred covenants between sovereign nations. They define our enduring responsibilities to one another and to the lands and waters that sustain us. For Laurentian University, embracing these obligations is central to our bilingual and tricultural mandate, and moreover, our collective path toward meaningful reconciliation,” said Dr. Lynn Wells, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

Throughout the week, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, educators and community leaders will share perspectives on treaty relationships through wampum teachings, language learning, presentations and cultural activities. Programming will also explore Laurentian University’s Anishinaabe wampum belt as a living expression of relationship, responsibility, reconciliation and commitment.

“The work of treaty recognition does not begin or end with Treaties Recognition Week. It is reflected in our continued willingness to learn, to understand, and to build respectful relationships and form bonds of Treaty allies with our Settler citizens,” said Earl Commanda, Executive Director of Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin.

Week at a Glance: November 2–6

Programming is based in the Round Room at the ISLC, Laurentian University. 

Monday, November 2: 

• The week begins with a Sunrise Ceremony at 7 a.m. with Nokomis Martina Osawamick and Leroy Bennett. Opening addresses will be followed by Wampum Teachings with Brian Charles and Life Promotion as a Treaty Responsibility with Connor Lafortune. A shkode (fire) will be outside the Round Room with firekeepers Jason Nakogee and Paskwa Lightning.

Tuesday, November 3: 

• John-Paul Chalykoff will lead Puppets and Anishinaabemowin, an elementary session. A discussion of Laurentian University’s wampum belt will feature Dr. Lynn Wells, Mary Laur, Natalie Lacasse and Hailey Sutherland, followed by a presentation by the RHT Youth Advisory.

Wednesday, November 4: 

• Dean Sayers will present Canoe Journey of Treaties. The day will also feature the RHT Youth Community Wampum Belt with the RHT Youth Advisory and Kelly Back of Fire Loom Creations, and Maamwi Nsastamookiing Wiidookaaziwin: A Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 Research Project.

Thursday, November 5: 

• Quinn Meawasige will deliver a presentation, followed by Carrying Knowledge Forward, a cultural performance with James Jones, known as Notorious Cree.

Friday, November 6: 

• An Indigenous Veterans Panel moderated by Dominic Beaudry will be followed by a cultural workshop with Resilient Inuk. The week will conclude with a Closing Miigwechwewin involving university, community and cultural leadership.

Treaties Recognition Week offers an opportunity to deepen understanding of the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 and the ongoing rights, relationships and responsibilities it carries.

For the full schedule and event details, view the Treaties Recognition Week 2026 program booklet.

For more information about the week’s programming, contact Tristen Schneider, Events & Engagement Coordinator, at Tristen@waawiindamaagewin.com.