Treaty & Territory

A land acknowledgment is a formal statement of gratitude, an understanding of territory and a means of honoring Indigenous people who have lived and cared for the land since time immemorial. In the past they were shared by Indigenous People when visiting other territories, a customary protocol to express respect and to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and are now an important part of reconciliation. Land acknowledgements ask of us to be mindful and reflect on our shared history, relationships and place.

The Town of Collingwood acknowledges that we are on the ancestral and traditional lands of many Indigenous Peoples. Anishinabek (ah-nish-nah-bek), Haudenosaunee (ho-din-o-sho-nee), Wendat (wen-dat), and Métis (may-tee), just a few of those who are generously sharing knowledge about the land, as well as the truths of our shared history. The Town also acknowledges that Collingwood is included as part of the Lake Simcoe-Nottawasaga Treaty of 1818. We seek to continue to learn, strengthen relationships, and advance truth and reconciliation through ongoing growth and meaningful engagement.

Across Ontario there are over 40 treaties and other land agreements. Treaties were established as agreements between Indigenous Nations and the Crown. They form the basis of relationships, setting out the rights and responsibilities of First Nations and government (federal and provincial). The treaty-making process was undertaken in the spirit of peace, co-existence and mutual respect by First Nations people.

Treaty 18 was signed on October 17, 1818. It is also known as the Lake Simcoe-Nottawasaga Treaty.

Collingwood resides within the Territory of Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which includes Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation and is home to many Indigenous peoples including Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe.