Treaty Week honours historic artifacts

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Treaty Week honours historic artifacts

Manitowaning hosted the annual Treaty and Knowledge Gathering (May 19–21). The event featured historical artifacts, expert speakers, and discussions on Anishinaabe governance and treaty relationships.

Michael Erskine

May 28, 2026 - 5 min read

Dr. Alan Corbiere gives a presentation during this year’s Treaty Week event.

Treaty Week honours historic artifacts — Dr. Alan Corbiere gives a presentation during this year’s Treaty Week event.

Returned to Manitoulin during ceremonies at site of 1836 Bond Head Treaty signing

MANITOWANING—There is a site just off Queen Street in Manitowaning that was the location of the signing of the 1836 Bond Head Treaty. With that historical fact, and the status of the location as part of Indigenous unceded land, it is also the location of the annual Manitoulin Treaty and Knowledge Gathering, a major three-day event held annually in Manitowaning centered on treaty relationships, wampum teachings and Anishinaabe history.

While the breeze was cool, the sun shone brightly over the site and the view of the blue waters of Manitowaning Bay was outstanding as attendees settled into chairs or sat on the grass.

The multi-day community gathering occurs at the historic treaty signing site and Debajehmujig Storytellers, usually culminating in a return home for sacred historical items. This year was no different, as a series of items on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, including the 1836 treaty pipe and an ancestral wampum belt, were on display for ceremonial learning.