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Definition of Treaties • The treaties were agreements entered into for the purpose of providing the individual or groups involved with the means of achieving survival and stability, with mutual benefit. Treaties are serious agreements between two or more nations that create mutually binding obligations.
Answer the Following Questions: • 1. Was it easy to come to a conclusion? • 2. How would you feel if the other groups had written the agreement in a language you didn’t understand? Would you trust them? Why? • 3. Do you think you would be able to live up to all the promises your group has made? Why or why not?
First Nations Treaty-Making • First Nations people regularly entered into treaties with other First Nations to share land for trapping, hunting or gathering purposes. This was to allow all people equal rights to the land and fair access to the resources.
Treaties are Promises • Treaties are solemn agreements, meaning they are promises taken very seriously. When entering into a treaty there is an assumption of mutual respect for all aspects of life, including spiritual, political, economical and traditional views of others.
Treaty Obligations • When entering a treaty there are duties that have to be completed by both parties. Treaties are recognized as Canadian and international law, they are seen as solemn, sacred, and lasting agreements. This means that Canada should be enforcing any treaty that is agreed upon in Canada.
Who Entered into Treaties in Saskatchewan? • The original inhabitants of Saskatchewan are known as the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, and Dakota, Lakota and Nakota, the only original inhabitants of Saskatchewan that have not entered into treaties are the Dakota and Lakota people.
Who Entered into Treaties in Saskatchewan? • The second treaty partner is the Crown of Great Britain. At the time of the treaty negotiations in Saskatchewan, the Queen of Britain had representatives, known as lieutenant governors. These lieutenant governors were the ones who negotiated with the First Nations people.
Who Entered into Treaties in Saskatchewan? • The Queen understood that the First Nations people to be independent nations with full title and occupancy of the land, therefore, it was necessary to enter into treaties. • The Creator is considered a witness to the treaties as well, the promises were made to the Creator so the agreements are considered to be sacred.
What Were the Agreements For? • The new European settlers that came into Canada needed land to live on. They saw there were already people here so they decided to negotiate with the First Nations people to get the land they need in exchange for things they had. The things they promised were: education, agricultural supplies, and more.
Why Did the First Nations Agree? • The First Nations agreed to enter into a treaty because: the buffalo herds were disappearing, the fur trade prices were declining, new diseases were showing up in their homes, and they thought that the Europeans wanted to share their land.
Treaty Provisions • The treaties are not frozen in time, they are able to change to suit the conditions of today, however, they are also unchangeable. Canada’s Supreme Court has ruled that changes in the treaties are only to favour the First Nations that are involved in the treaties. The changes made must only be along the same lines as what is already written in the treaties.
First Nations vs. Europeans Different Worldviews
Spiritual Beliefs • First Nations: The Creator created all living things and a person’s inner soul is connected to creation. You should follow these things to live a good life: respect, gentleness, kindness, honesty, fairness and cleanliness. • Europeans: Followed the Holy Bible and the Ten Commandments to live a good life.
The Ten Commandments • 1. You shall have no other gods before me.2. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven or on earth.3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.5. Honour your father and mother.6. You shall not murder.7. You shall not commit adultery.8. You shall not steal.9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.10. You shall not covert your neighbour’s house...wife...etc.
Political Beliefs • First Nations: The Creator is greater than all governments, the ability to lead is a gift given by the Creator. The leader must listen to all members of the community. • Europeans: All members of government were male and followed the Queen’s orders. They formed laws that everyone had to follow and they enforced the laws. However, they also believed that God is greater than all governments.
Economic Beliefs • First Nations: The Creator will supply everything through the land. The First Nations live day-to-day and do not plan for the future, they also believe that sharing will bring survival for all. • Europeans: Europeans wanted to gain as much land as they could, they travelled the world looking for different things that would bring them money (like silk and spices). They wanted more land to give them more wealth and higher status.
What is Treaty Land Entitlement? • Treaty land entitlement claims are intended to settle the land debt owed to those First Nations who did not receive all the land they were entitled to under historical treaties signed by the Crown and First Nations.
What is Treaty Land Entitlement? • Once an agreement has been negotiated, a specified amount of Crown lands is identified and/or a cash settlement is provided so that a First Nation may purchase federal, provincial/territorial, or private land to settle the land debt. Currently, approximately 90 per cent of TLE transactions take place in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
