Long before the arrival of the European Settlers, Indigenous Peoples entered into treaty agreements with one another regarding trade, commerce, peace and war. Examples include:

• Métis & Sioux Treaty 1844 - a peace treaty between two Nations that were historically enemies to focus on sharing the land and keep the peace. 
• Dish with One Spoon - An agreement shared between the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee to share land and resources
• Haudenosaunee Confederacy, considered one of the oldest participatory democracies where power and decision making was equally shared between Nations.

When European settlers arrived and established the Government of Canada (Crown) they entered into treaties with Indigenous Peoples. These treaties were meant to govern how settlers could share the land with Indigenous Peoples, but instead these agreements were often ignored, violated or reinterpreted to benefit the Crown. 

Types of Treaties

• Indigenous Treaties - Treaties signed between Nations to share the land, resources and maintain peace
• Peace and Friendship Treaties - Early agreements signed between First Nations and European powers, particularly in Eastern Canada
• Numbered Treaties - 11 treaties signed between 1871–1921. First Nations believed they were agreeing to share land with the Crown. Instead, many were forced onto reserves, and land was sold to settlers.
• Modern Day Treaties (Also known as Land Claims) - Ongoing treaty-making efforts, primarily in the North and British Columbia. These treaties recognize Indigenous rights and title to land. 

To learn more about Treaties, listen to this podcast. We are Treaty People Podcast.

Unceded Territories

Despite the signing of the treaties, a significant portion of Canada has no treaties, which is considered unceded territory. Parts of British Colubmia, Ontario and Quebec are considered unceded. 

Métis Land Rights

Métis people also had land rights, particularly in the Red River region which is in modern day Manitoba. In 1870, The Manitoba Act was negotiated with Métis leader Louis Riel, who sought to protect Métis land, language, and culture. However, a corrupt system called Métis scrip was implemented instead. Rather than secure land, this system dispossessed most Métis families, leaving them landless and displaced. Today, Métis governments continue to fight for land rights and recognition.

Example:  In Alberta, eight Métis Settlements exist as self-governing land-based communities, with other Métis governments trying to secure land for their communities. 

Inuit Land Agreements

The Inuit also hold land rights and have entered into formal agreements with the Crown. The creation of Nunavut in 1999, through the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, stands as a major example of modern treaty-making and Inuit self-determination

Why this Matters

Relationships between Canada and Indigenous Nations 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. 

As we are all living on Indigenous Peoples traditional territory , we all have a responsibility to learn, understand and respect what this means by contributing to the 94 Calls to Action and integrating Indigenous worldviews and practices into our work.

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

1. An awareness that past and present imposed legislation, policies, attempted cultural assimilation, and historical trauma have led to a devaluation of Indigenous languages, cultures, and knowledge systems,  including STEM related practices. These methods of assimilation created deep mistrust toward the Crown, which continues today. As a result of colonization,  Indigenous Peoples experience inequities and can lack access to adequate education, employment, housing, and health. 
2. Despite the legacies of these policies, legislation, and attempted assimilation, Indigenous peoples have always maintained their traditions, languages 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.
4. Métis and Inuit Nations continue to advocate for their land rights, cultures, and languages to be recognized and respected.

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'

Guide: Treaties In Canada

Video

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

Reflection Question

In consideration of the colonial history in Canada, what does it mean to live on Indigenous traditional territory? 

Explore the Native Land tool, the ‘Mapping Indigenous languages in Canada’ article, and then use your Indigenous Knowledge Workbook or notebook to answer the following reflection questions.  

Explore the two Interactive Maps: "Native-Land" Map Tool & The Treaty Map

• Website: Native Land Map Tool
• Website: The Treaty Map - Indigenous Perspectives on Treaties in Canada

Review the article: ‘Mapping Indigenous languages in Canada’. 

• Article: Mapping Indigenous languages in Canada

Reflection Questions:

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