Treaties and Legislation

Welcome: Treaties and Legislation
Description: Between 1871 and 1877, the federal government and First Nation peoples in western Canada signed seven treaties (Treaties 1 to 7). These treaties, which established reserves and promised First Nation peoples traditional hunting and fishing rights, were essentially viewed by the federal government as documents that set out the terms by which it purchased First Nation lands. The First Nation peoples concerned were motivated to negotiate these treaties because they believed the agreements would enable them to protect their culture and sustain themselves in the ways they knew best. Since most understood that change would come with or without treaties, First Nation leaders worked for concessions that would allow their people and culture to survive. The Indian Act of 1876 amended and consolidated older laws affecting Aboriginal peoples. Most significantly, this act turned First Nation peoples into legal wards of the state. In addition, it took away much of their land and property and gave agents of the federal government control over many aspects of their daily lives.
Grade Level: 9-12
Curriculum: Social Studies
Keywords: Aboriginal perspectives, reconciliation, colonialism, Canadian government, treaties, indigenous, treaty, Numbered Treaties
Author(s): Al Neufeld