See “Gifts and Symbols” on pages 16 and 17 in the We Are All Treaty People issue of Kayak: Canada’s History Magazine for Kids.
Read “Shake on It“
This medal was given starting in 1873. It had an image of a First Nations leader shaking hands with a British officer on one side and a picture of Queen Victoria on the other. It was used until the death of the Queen in 1901. This one was made of pure silver.
Minds on
Explore the symbolism in the Treaty medal. Focus on the handshake, the symbols of Creation, the buried hatchet.
Hands on
Have students individually create a class medal symbolizing the relationship between students-students; teacher-students. Display the medals in the classroom for the duration of the year as a symbol of their relevance, guidance, and endurance.
More classroom activities
Explore several places and occasions that mark the importance of Treaties and stories about the historic Treaty relationship between First Nations people and the Crown.
Students will explore historical significance as the process used by historians to evaluate what was important about particular events, people, and developments in the past.
Focus on the importance of wampum belts for ceremonial and diplomatic purposes, as well as to mark agreements such as Treaties and covenants.
Explain and expand upon the concept of unceded land.
Explore the meaning and the significance of the phrase “We are all Treaty People.”
Have students create an invitation to an event celebrating Treaty Day.
Taking a historical perspective means understanding the social, cultural, intellectual, and emotional settings that shaped people’s lives and actions in the past.
Design a classroom Treaty with your students and use it throughout the year as the typical “class rules.”