The Circle
This sacred plant, braided into 21 strands, symbolizes the path we seek in relationship building
What is sweetgrass
This term refers to the overall meaning or purpose behind a relationship or agreement, rather than the specific written clauses
What is Spirit & Intent
These agreements define ongoing rights and obligations between the Government of Canada and Indigenous Peoples
What are treaties
This word, used multiple times in the opening, means "thank you" in Anishinaabemowin
What is Miigwech
This teaching encourages checking your knowledge and being open to other perspectives
What is humility
By connecting the reals of mind, body and spirit to frame our intentions, knowledge and actions, we can move ahead on the journey to build meaningful this.
What are relationships
This natural element is considered the most life-sustaining gift from Mother Earth
What is water
This 1876 law gave federal agents control over many aspects of First Nations life, but excluded Metis and Inuit
What is the Indian Act
This symbolizes a separate-but-equal relationship between two entities based on mutual benefit and respect for each party's inherent freedom of movement
What is the Two-Row Wampum Belt
This teaching involves taking responsibility for mistakes and being transparent about actions
What is honesty
Love, courage, truth, wisdom, honesty, respect, and humility represent these teachings
What are the Seven Grandfather Teachings
These are the roots of Indigenous ways of knowing and knowledge systems
What is creation stories, language, and relationship with the land
This legal obligation requires the Crown to engage with Indigenous Peoples when actions may affect their rights
What is the Duty to Consult and Accommodate
These three groups are specifically mentioned as part of the communities the Relationship Framework aims to support
Who are the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit
This teaching encourages inviting participation and valuing everyone’s unique gifts
What is wisdom
This process involved reclaiming traditional ways and knowledge to ensure good futures
What is reclamation
This is "Spirit & Intent"
The meaning of the relationship or agreement, not necessarily what was actually written (especially in Indigenous-settler relations, where what was written usually did not match what was communicated orally)
These treaties, signed in 1923, were the last historic land cession treaties in Canada
What are the Williams Treaties
This type of acknowledgement expresses gratitude and recognizes the history and responsibilities tied to the land
What is a land acknowledgement
This teaching emphasizes seeking clarity and being transparent about intent
What is truth
The three sections of the sweetgrass braid represent the past, present, and future in this generational framework
What are the seven generations behind us, the seven sacred teachings, and the seven generations to come
This phrase encourages us to reflect on our responsibilities within the universal family, including animals, plants, and all forms of life
What is "All My Relations"
This document, discussed by Murray Sinclair, marked the beginning of treaty relationships
What is the Royal Proclamation of 1763
This principle calls for sharing knowledge and resources to nurture good relations in the present
What is reciprocity
This teaching involves being innovative and choosing the right path, even if it is not the easiest
What is bravery