All aspects of Canadian life have come about as a result of early Treaties with Indigenous Peoples and the government of Canada (Crown). In order to truly grasp the contributions Indigenous people have made, and continue to make to Canada, it is important to understand that a Treaty relationship exists between Canada and Indigenous Nations. Before the arrival of Europeans, Indigenous Peoples had their own; governance systems, social organizations, political process, economy, laws, resource management and other processes and ways of being.

Indigenous people had treaty agreements with one another regarding trade, commerce, peace and war. These Treaty relationships are not a thing of the past, they continue to influence many social, economic and political aspects of modern day Canada. As an outside organization working in, and with Indigenous youth, it is critical that we understand the historical social, economic and political relationships that have influenced Indigenous communities.

Words, in part, define who we are and shape reality as we know it (these are our perceptions). For 500 years Indigenous people were called “Indians” - the term “Indian” dismisses the vast range of cultural differences which distinguishes Indigenous Cultures in the Americas. The power to name has great implications on how people are perceived. Naming is central to the writing of history, and history is a primary way by which we define ourselves and identify other groups. This often leads to stereotypes and failure to recognize diversity of cultures. 

We are all treaty people on this land, we all have a responsibility to learn, understand and respect what this means. 

Some key concepts that should be considered regarding the impacts of Canada’s History with Indigenous Peoples include:

1. An awareness that imposed legislation, policies, attempted cultural assimilation, and historical trauma such as disease have in some cases contributed to the feelings of mistrust and have had long-lasting impacts on Indigenous communities.
2. Despite the legacies of these policies, legislation, and  attempted assimilation, Indigenous peoples have always maintained their traditions and cultures.
3. First Nations in Canada have continued to insist that treaties represent an eternal agreement  based on a mutual non-interference and a nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government.

For Activity Two, review the document, "Treaties in Canada" and then watch the Video, We Are All Treaty People - Full Book. Afterwards, use your Indigenous Worldviews Workbook or notebook to respond to the reflection question.

Review the Document

Treaties In Canada

Video

Watch: We Are All Treaty People - Full Book (24:20)

Reflection Question

In consideration of the history of Treaties in Canada and acknowledging our universal roles as Treaty People, what does being a Treaty Person mean to you?

Explore the Treaty Map tool and then use your Indigenous Knowledge Workbook or notebook to answer the following reflection questions.  

Explore the Interactive Map: "Native-Land" Map Tool 

https://native-land.ca/

Reflection Questions:

1. Under what treaty did you grow up in?
2. What First Nations, Metis and/or Inuit Nations are Indigenous to the area that you currently live on? 
3. What languages do these local First Nations, Metis and/or Inuit Nations traditionally speak?