Opening of Indigenous Education and Treaties Recognition Week with Dr. Pamela Palmater

Join us on Monday, November 4 for the opening of Indigenous Education and Treaties Recognition Week. Following opening remarks from TMU leaders, Dr. Pamela Palmater (external link) , internationally renowned speaker, activist, author, podcaster, Mi’kmaw lawyer, Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) will deliver a keynote speech about honouring the original spirit and intent of treaties.

What to expect

At the event, Dr. Palmater will share teachings about how substantive reconciliation with First Nations in Canada requires a reconsideration of historic treaties, one that honours the original spirit and intent. Historic treaties between sovereign First Nations and the Crown are largely misunderstood as land surrender agreements. Despite what Canadian courts have said about historic treaties, the United Nations has been clear about the implications of trying to enforce negative treaty covenants without informed consent. 

About Dr. Pamela Palmater

Considered one of Canada’s Top 25 Movers and Shakers, Dr. Pam Palmater is an internationally renowned speaker, prolific author, award-winning Indigenous podcaster, Mi’kmaw lawyer and activist driving reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, human rights and social justice. With four degrees, including a doctorate in law focusing on Indigenous rights, Pam serves as Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

As a proud citizen of the Mi’kmaw Nation and member of Eel River Bar First Nation, Pam's extensive, three-decade commitment to community-based engagement has helped her foster enduring relationships with First Nations, Native American governments, Indigenous women’s organizations, grassroots Indigenous collectives and human rights advocacy groups. 

Considered an expert in Indigenous law, she testifies before United Nations treaty bodies, Parliamentary and Senate committees and public inquiries like the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission. Her prominent role as one of the spokespersons and educators for the Idle No More movement—in partnership with numerous Indigenous experts, advocates, leaders and allies—helped to propel Indigenous issues onto the national stage. 

Pam's 200+ publications—which include articles for major outlets like Chatelaine, Maclean’s Magazine, The Lawyer’s Daily and a host of online news outlets like CTV, CBC, APTN—help inspire social change. Pam envisions a future of strong, independent First Nations alongside empowered Canadian communities, leaving a lasting impact on Indigenous reconciliation and social progress.

This event is part of Indigenous Education and Treaties Recognition Week at TMU

From November 4 to 8, Indigenous Education and Treaties Recognition Week will take place across the TMU campus, featuring educational panels, hands-on workshops, entertaining events and more. TMU students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate in programming to better understand the unique and diverse experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, as well as treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today. Indigenous Education and Treaties Recognition Week is just one facet of the larger work towards reconciliation, for which we are all responsible.

This week’s events are organized by Crystal Osawamick, Manager, Indigenous Events and Special Projects and Cher Trudeau, Administrative Coordinator, Indigenous Education Council and Indigenous Initiatives, Office of the Vice-President Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI).

This event is wheelchair accessible and automatic captioning will be available 

The university is committed to the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. If you require any additional accessibility accommodations to ensure your full participation, please let us know on the registration form or email indigevents@torontomu.ca. 

Sign up to volunteer 

If you would like to volunteer for this event, please complete the  (google form) Volunteer Sign-up Form (external link) 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Crystal Osawamick, Manager, Indigenous Events and Special Projects, at indigevents@torontomu.ca.