Map of Treaties – Debwewin – the Oakville Truth Project

Oakville is a community

that lacks Indigenous cultural heritage and present day land-based recognition of the Anishinaabek and the long standing Treaties covering Oakville. Debwewin: the Oakville Truth Project, has been launched to further our shared understanding of Oakville’s Indigenous past and support local Truth & Reconciliation. This project is large, ambitious, multi-year and a necessary step on the local Truth & Reconciliation journey.

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On September 5, 1806, the signing of Treaty 14 confirmed the Head of the Lake Purchase between the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Crown. Modern cities found within the lands of the Head of the Lake Purchase include Oakville, Mississauga, and parts of Burlington. Learn more: https://mncfn.ca/head-of-the-lake-treaty-no-14-1806/

On February 28, 1820 Treaties 22 and 23 were signed and the Crown acquired the reserve lands, which had been set aside in the 1805 agreement. According to the terms of Treaty 22, the Mississaugas acquiesced to have the Crown hold their lands in trust for future use at 12 and 16 Mile Creeks along with northern and southern portions of the Credit River Reserve. Learn more: https://mncfn.ca/12-mile-creek-16-mile-creek-and-credit-river-reserves-treaty-nos-22-and-23-1820/

The Moccasin Trail Heritage Information Kiosk is located near Rebecca Street and Mississauga Street on the Bronte Creek Heritage Trail. The Moccasin Trails feature a series of 13 plaques containing Indigenous stories, verses and information relating to the land, water and sky, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Indigenous heritage.

Moccasin Trail forms the Inner Valley Trail portion of the Sixteen Mile Creek Trail, a 6.1 kilometer heavily trafficked loop suitable for all skill levels according to AllTrails. The Moccasin Trail starts at the sharp descend created by bluffs of Queenston formation shale. making the trail impassable along the river bank. The rest of the Sixteen Mile Creek Trail snakes harmoniously along the picturesque west riverbank. The Inner Valley Trail cover almost half the distance between Dundas bridge to the north at Lions Valley Park and Smith Triller Viaduct at the Glen Abby Golf Course to the south. Sixteen Mile Creek Moccasin Trail is one of the two similar trails honouring Oakville’s rich Indigenous heritage. The other Moccasin Trail is located along the Bronte Creek Heritage Trail.