George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
November is Indigenous Education Month, a time to deepen understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives and contributions, while reflecting on the shared responsibility to advance reconciliation.
The month begins with Treaties Recognition Week, November 1 to 7, an opportunity to learn about the treaty relationships that continue to shape communities and responsibilities to one another. It is also a time to reflect on the lands where we live, learn, and work, and on the commitments treaties represent.
Understanding our treaty relationships
George Brown Polytechnic is located within the Toronto Purchase Treaty lands (Treaty 13). As treaty people, we all share a responsibility to understand the history and significance of these agreements and their enduring impact.
Treaties are living agreements that continue to shape relationships among Indigenous Peoples, governments, and communities today. Recognizing and understanding these agreements is an important part of reconciliation and fostering meaningful relationships built on respect and shared responsibility.
Indigenous Knowledges Series
As part of Treaties Recognition Week, Indigenous Initiatives is hosting an online Indigenous Knowledges session, featuring guest speaker Tom Cowie of the Hiawatha First Nation, on November 2 at 12 p.m.
The session will explore the Williams Treaties and the pre-Confederation treaties that shaped relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown long before Canada was formed.
Students and employees are encouraged to attend the session as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of treaty relationships and Indigenous histories.
Register for the Indigenous Knowledges session
Advancing reconciliation through education
George Brown's Indigenous Education Strategy recognizes post-secondary education as both a treaty right and a shared responsibility. The strategy outlines the polytechnic's commitments to advancing reconciliation, decolonization and Indigenous student success across the institution.
Indigenous Education Month offers the George Brown community an opportunity to attend an event, explore a resource, or take time for personal reflection. It is a chance to strengthen understanding of treaty relationships, Indigenous histories and contemporary Indigenous realities.
Discover some of George Brown’s Indigenous Initiatives resources that support ongoing learning, including:
- Information about George Brown's Land Acknowledgement protocols
- Resources about treaties and treaty relationships
- Explore Indigenous histories, perspectives and contemporary realities through cultural events and teachings
A shared commitment
Reconciliation is an ongoing journey of learning, relationship-building and action. Through continued engagement and education, George Brown Polytechnic strives to foster a community that honours Indigenous knowledge, supports Indigenous learners and communities, and advances equity and inclusion for all.
Learn more about Indigenous Initiatives at George Brown Polytechnic
