A Brief History
We would like to acknowledge the Treaty 6 territory, the traditional land of Indigenous peoples who have lived and passed through here for many centuries and continue to enrich our shared communities. To remind the truths of our settler presence and affirm our commitment to honor the spirit of friendship in which the original treaties were signed.
Exploring wâhkôhtowin is an initiative that seeks to engage youth and new learners on the topic of wâhkôhtowin (loosely translates from Cree for relationships) and to introduce some of the concepts, context, and history around the Numbered Treaties (1 to 11) including Treaty 6, 7, and 8 between First Nations and the Crown.
In nehiyawewin (the Cree Language), the term wâhkôhtowin refers to ‘the act of being related’. It is not merely a noun; it is an active process. It is our intention that this game will reveal new perspectives on the many and intertwined relationships involved between Indigenous Nations.
A better and fuller understanding of the Treaties between Indigenous Nations and the Crown (formerly Great Britain and Ireland; subsequently Canada) requires familiarity with the historical context in which these agreements were entered into. It includes the millennia that these lands have been occupied, used, shared, disputed, and protected by Indigenous Peoples; the over three
centuries of post-contact history with European Nations leading up to the mid to late 1800s (the time frame of the ‘Western’ or ‘Numbered’ Treaties); and continues almost a century and a half later.
Partnering Organizations
Exploring wâhkôhtowin is supported by the Skills Society, Action Lab Edmonton Community Foundation, Government of Alberta and Edmonton Heritage Council. We acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada.
Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre
Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre is an not-for-profit organization established with the goal of providing an environment to learn and share information in a centralized location offering education support services to band operated schools as well as policy, language, culture and technology.
Edmonton Shift Lab
The Edmonton Shift Lab has extensive experience in harnessing human-centered design from a racialized lens to uncover new insights and develop solutions that can be implemented by community-based organizations.
Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation
The Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation (YIEF) is a registered charity that co-creates innovative solutions to address complex issues facing First Nations.