A fire that’s been burning for 173 years – CBC
Sep. 18, 2023
Spiritual practices observed in Robinson treaties case courtroom are a modern continuity of an ancient tradition
A sacred fire can rise from its ashes if its keepers save the coals and use them the next time they rekindle the flames.
This tradition has been a part of the relationship between the Crown and the Anishinaabeg since the signing of the Robinson treaties in 1850.
When the two parties met 173 years ago to formalize their partnership, a sacred fire burned.
Seven generations later, as these treaties become the subject of one of Ontario’s and Canada’s most complex and consequential litigations, the sacred fire is still burning.
