September 30th marks the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, where we pause to reflect on the truths that shape the land we call home.
In Southern Georgian Bay, the story of the land is written through many treaties signed between the Crown and First Nations. These agreements were meant to define rights to land, resources, and governance. Yet, they also carry histories of broken promises, forced relocations, and deep loss.
The Saugeen Ojibway Nation signed Treaty 45 ½ in 1836 under the assurance that their lands on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula would be protected forever. Eighteen years later, after those promises were broken, they were pressured into signing Treaty 72, surrendering the Peninsula.
The Chippewas of Nawash continue to pursue justice in court today, arguing that the Crown failed in its duty to honour and protect their lands and waters as promised.
The Beausoleil First Nation, along with the Chippewas of Rama and Georgina Island, are signatories to the Williams Treaties of 1923, which continue to shape their rights and responsibilities in this region. Beausoleil and Rama only gained rights to hunt, fish, and trap in their treaty territory in 2018 after they settled a comprehensive settlement agreement with Ontario and Canada.
The Huron-Wendat Nation, the Six Nations of the Grand River, and others also hold traditional territorial rights in Southern Georgian Bay—reminders of the layered relationships that continue to exist here.
ECA’s area of influence includes Treaty 18 signed in 1818 known as the Nottawasaga Purchase, Treaty 16 signed in 1815 known as the Lake Simcoe Purchase and Treaty 45 ½ signed in 1836 known as the Saugeen Tract Purchase. Treaty 18 was signed by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Chippewas of Nawash. Treaty 16 was signed by the Beausoleil First Nation (G’Chimnissing). Treaty 45 ½ was signed by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Chippewas of Nawash.
But these treaties tell only half the story. First Nations hold a much deeper connection to the land, through language, ceremony, governance, and traditional practices. These traditional territories may not be marked on maps, but they are very real, living relationships with the land and waters of this region.
At the Escarpment Corridor Alliance, we believe that education is the path to understanding, and understanding is the path to healing. By learning these truths, we honour the past and walk toward a future built on respect, accountability, and reconciliation.
🧡 Today, we encourage everyone to take time to learn whose land you live on, and to reflect on the responsibilities we all share to care for it.
Resources
This resource sheet provides a selection of books, reports, films, and podcasts to support education, truth-telling, and reconciliation. Where possible, direct links are provided.
These are a starting point for learning about the history, cultures, and contemporary realities of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and beyond. Education is a pathway to understanding, and understanding is a step toward reconciliation.
BOOKS
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act – Bob Joseph
Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer
True Reconciliation – Jody Wilson-Raybould
Seven Fallen Feathers – Tanya Talaga
Unsettling Canada – Arthur Manuel & Ronald Derrickson
The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King | Penguin Random House Canada
Indigenous Writes – Chelsea Vowel
Reclaiming Power and Place – Final Report MMIWG (2019)
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (2015)
