James Bird (University of Toronto, Daniels Faculty), Dr. Heidi Bohaker (University of Toronto, Department of History), Nathan Tidridge (Lakehead University, Faculty of Education)

Join James Bird and Dr. Heidi Bohaker (co-creator of the exhibition) and Nathan Tidridge (commentator) as they discuss their travelling exhibition "Canada by Treaty," which explains Canada's history of treaty-making with Indigenous peoples.

Graphic by Mariah Meawasige (@Makoose)

Canada by Treaty, which originally took the form of a series of printed display boards, has been exhibited throughout the three University of Toronto campuses and in other prominent Toronto locations. The exhibition explains some of the ways Canada has historically failed to live up to the spirit of its treaty obligations — particularly through its residential school policy.

"On the one hand, the government was signing treaties, but at the same time it was apprehending children and putting them into residential schools," James says. "We have this history of two stories being told: one of agreeing to land settlements, and the other of taking away Indigenous language and culture. It's a story of giving with one hand and taking with the other."

Visit the "Canada By Treaty" online exhibition

Since 2004, Nathan Tidridge has been a teacher at Waterdown District High School teaching Civics, Treaty Studies, as well as Canadian and World History. He also teaches with the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University.

Nathan has authored six books, chapters, and many articles exploring the Crown in Canada, including its relationships with Indigenous Peoples, as well as Canadian identity and local history. One of his most important works, The Queen at the Council Fire: The Treaty of Niagara, Reconciliation and the Dignified Crown in Canada, was launched by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Nathan has been published in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Maclean's Magazine, The Public Policy & Governance Review and appeared on a number of television and radio programs.

Nathan has been involved with a number of Boards and committees including the Flamborough Heritage Society, Ontario Heritage Trust (2015-2021, Chair of the Heritage Programs Committee 2017-2021) and the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada (2005-present, 1st vice president).  His committee work includes the Magna Carta Canada Education Committee (2015), the Flamborough Grant of Arms Committee (2009-2011), the National Advisory Council of the Princes Charities Canada/Princes Trust Canada, and the Chapel Royal Committee at Massey College (2015 – present).

Heidi Bohaker, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Toronto. She teaches Indigenous-Crown relations and Canadian History. Her 2020 book,    Doodem and Council Fire: Anishinaabe Governance through Alliance (University of Toronto Press : 2020) won the best book in Political History prize from the Canadian Historical Association.

James K. Bird, M.Arch., MRAIC is a proud member of the Dënesųłiné Nation and affiliated with the Northwest Territories Métis Nation. He is also a residential survivor. He holds an Honors B.A. comprising two major fields of study: Indigenous Studies and Canadian History with a minor in Renaissance Culture.

Currently completing a master’s degree in architecture at the University of Toronto. His current work examines the intersection between Indigenous languages and shape forming – using parametrics and algorithms.

James has received several academic awards and national awards – The Prideaux Award for Science and Architecture, University College Merit Award, the Gordon Cressy Award, the Dr. Lillian McGregor Indigenous Award for Excellence, and the President’s Award. He has also been made a Fellow at Massey College. He also holds other national awards.

James has been equally active outside academia. He is a Member of The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Indigenous Task Force on Architecture. James was proud to be part of the Canadian team that won the 2018 Venice Architectural Biennale – a team headed by world-renowned Indigenous Architect Douglas Cardinal and 18 other Indigenous architects.