The York Catholic District School Board celebrates Treaty Recognition Week, November 6-10, 2023. The YCDSB recognizes Treaty Recognition Week as part of our ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation. As we continue this journey together, we gratefully acknowledge that our York Catholic schools rest on traditional territory of Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat
During Treaty Recognition Week, we acknowledge the many Treaties that the Canadian Government signed with the First Peoples of this land. These Treaties compel all people in Canada, all of us, to be Treaty people. Each of us has an obligation to ensure that the Treaties be honoured.
We celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the development of Canada. Indigenous peoples were the first stewards of the land, waters and resources. Indigenous Peoples offered assistance to the first European travelers to this region, and shared knowledge for survival in what was, at times, a harsh climate. We journey in relationship with Indigenous People of this land; a relationship among neighbours based on honour and deep respect.
Every day, this week, we will be sharing information and the voice of Indigenous peoples, so that we may better be able to understand the rich culture, wisdom and the unique perspective they offer us. So let us begin with the Treaty Week Prayer.
Treaty Week Prayer
In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Let us remember that our Indigenous neighbours gently walked this land.
Let us remember that Treaties are promises.
Let us respect those promises.
Let us remember all of the promises in our lives.
Let us respect those promises.
Let us remember that prejudice causes pain and hurt.
Let us remember to be kind to everyone.
Let us remember to be upstanders against injustice.
Let us remember to treat others the way we want to be treated.
Let us remember to love our neighbour and our land.
In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen