Sheridan honours Treaties Recognition Week with unveiling of Treaty Signs at three campuses

A special event to commemorate the sign unveiling was held at Sheridan’s Trafalgar Road Campus on November 8. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Councillor Veronica King-Jamieson, along with Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and town councillors Marc Grant, Dave Gittings and Nav Nanda, joined the Sheridan community at the event to commemorate the significance of the treaties.  

Sheridan’s Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville and its Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga are covered by Treaty 14, the Head of the Lake Purchase, signed in 1806. Sheridan’s Davis Campus in Brampton is covered by Treaty 19, the Ajetance Purchase, signed in 1818. Both of these treaties were signed between the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Crown. 

“Sheridan has a responsibility as a colonial institution to uphold treaty obligations and to educate others so that meaningful truth and reconciliation can take place,” said Dr. Janet Morrison, Sheridan President and Vice Chancellor. “We are deeply grateful to the many Indigenous community members and allies who have worked to create these important Treaty signs that are now installed at each of our campuses.” 

Sheridan offered a variety of ways for staff, students and the community to get involved during Treaties Recognition Week. An Indigenous educator, Kelly Brownbill, hosted a virtual workshop early in the week to teach the Sheridan community about the significance of land acknowledgements and when they should be used. The week also marked the kickoff of the Debwewin poetry contest, and the launch of an Indigenous Research Resource guide by Generator at Sheridan, authored by Indigenous members of Sheridan faculty and staff. 

“The addition of treaty signs to each of our campuses is another important step in demonstrating our deep commitment to creating more robust supports for Indigenous learners,” said Fallon Melander, Sheridan’s Special Advisor to the President and Vice Chancellor on Indigenous Engagement. “Treaties formed the basis of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people many years ago, and these signs are a bold visual reminder that the treaty relationship continues today, and forever.” 

Sheridan continues to take proactive steps to support our Indigenous learners. Each of Sheridan’s campuses offers designated Indigenous student spaces through the Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support. These spaces help to create a culturally safe, respectful and empowering environment for Indigenous learners. Last year, Sheridan introduced Babamadizwin: Start Well to support First Nations, Metis and Inuit learners at Sheridan as they adapt to their postsecondary journey and learn about college resources, while also engaging the community at large through an Indigenous lens.  

Banner image: Town of Oakville councillors Marc Grant and Dave Gittings, Sheridan President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Janet Morrison, Mayor of Oakville Rob Burton, MCFN Councillor Veronica King-Jamieson, Town of Oakville councillor Nav Nanda and Sheridan's Special Advisor to the President and Vice Chancellor on Indigenous Engagement Fallon Melander stand with the newly unveiled sign.