Learning Goals:  Why treaties were formed  How have treaties impacted First Nations, Metis & Inuit people

Success Criteria  Define the terms colonialism, sovereignty, treaty  Explain First Nations, Metis & Inuit perspective on treaties  Negotiation concerns & priorities  Differences from European perspective  Conditions under which they were entered into  Impact on relationships between First Nations  Explain the concept “we are all treaty people” and how this relates to the past, present & future  Impact on us as Canadians

Colonialism A relationship between two peoples in which one takes over the other’s land and imposes traditions

Sovereignty A nation’s or state’s supreme power within its borders A vital issue in colonialism because colonists typically wish to transfer their own governments and laws into the territory that is new to them despite the forms of governance that may already be in place

People sometimes wonder why we have struggled so long to sign a treaty. Why, we are asked, did our elders and elected officials dedicate their lives to a resolution of the Land Question? What is it about a treaty? To us, a treaty is a sacred instrument. It represents an understanding between distinct cultures and shows respect for each other’s way of life. We know we are here for a long time together. A treaty stands as a symbol of high idealism in a divided world. That is why we have fought so long, and so hard. -Nisga’a Chief Joseph Gosnell in a speech to the British Columbia legislature on Dec 2 nd, 1998

Treaty A formal agreement between two or more nations in reference to peace, alliance, commerce, territory, or other relations.  Agreements that provide for peaceful relationships between two nations  Each party in a treaty has equal status  Each party has duties and obligations to each other

First Nations, Metis & Inuit Perspective on Treaties  More than just agreements on written documents “What we speak of and do now will last as long as the sun shines and the river runs, we are looking forward to our children’s children…..” Mistawasis, Cree Chief, speaking at Treaty 6 proceedings, 1876 What do you think is the meaning behind the phrase “as long as the sun shines and the river runs”? Why is this phrase part of all treaty agreements in Canada?

 They are living things meant to last “as long as the sun shines and rivers run”  Based on values that & principles that centre on peaceful relationships & living together on the land  The Creator was considered to be a witness to the treaties, making the treaties sacred agreements

“Treaty, or innaihtsiini, is when two powerful nations come together into a peace agreement, both parties coming forward in a peaceful, reconciliatory approach by exercising a sacred oath through the symbolic way of peace, which is smoking a sacred pipe and also through the exchange of gifts to sanction the agreement which can never be broken” Louise Crop Eared Wolf, Blood Elder

What does it mean by the phrase We are all treaty people?  Not only agreements between Aboriginal peoples & federal government, or between Aboriginal peoples of the past and historical colonial powers (France, England)  Treaties exist, are renewed, created and supported today  Continue to be beneficial for all members of the nations within the agreements  This means that ALL CANADIANS are members of treaty agreements ALL CANADIANS ARE TREATY PEOPLE

The Sharing Circle: Treaties

As Long As the Sun Shines Assignment