Lesson 12: Treaties and Canadian Identity

Introduction to Treaties and Canadian Identity

Treaties are essential agreements in the history of Canada, shaping relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. These formal agreements, known as Numbered Treaties, were signed between 1871 and 1921 and cover most of the Canadian landscape, including the Prairies. They were meant to create mutual understandings between Indigenous nations and settlers. In exchange for land, Indigenous peoples were promised protections, access to healthcare, education, and other benefits. However, the way these treaties were understood differed greatly between the parties involved.

For Indigenous peoples, treaties were viewed as sacred agreements—a partnership to share the land and resources. They were seen as a means of protecting traditional ways of life while adapting to the arrival of settlers. The Canadian government, on the other hand, viewed treaties primarily as a way to open land for development and settlement.

In southern Saskatchewan, where Treaty 4 was signed in 1874, these agreements are particularly important. Treaty 4 covers much of the province and includes commitments related to education, healthcare, and ongoing support for Indigenous communities. Today, understanding Treaty 4 is crucial to understanding how Canadian identity has evolved, especially in relation to Indigenous rights and reconciliation efforts.

Canada’s identity is not only shaped by its geography and diverse population, but also by these foundational treaties, which continue to influence the social, political, and economic fabric of the country. Modern interpretations of treaties are central to Truth and Reconciliation efforts, as Canadians acknowledge historical injustices and work toward honoring these agreements in the present day. This lesson will explore how treaties like Treaty 4 have shaped both Indigenous and non-Indigenous identities and why they remain vital to Canadian society today.

Historical Context of Treaties

The history of treaties in Canada begins long before the arrival of European settlers, as Indigenous peoples had their own systems of agreements and alliances with each other. When Europeans began to arrive in North America, these newcomers recognized the need to make formal agreements with Indigenous nations to access land and resources. However, the intentions behind these agreements differed greatly between the two groups.

For Indigenous peoples, the land was sacred. It was more than a resource to be owned or divided; it was part of their identity, culture, and way of life. When they entered into treaties with settlers, they saw it as a sacred covenant—a way to share the land while maintaining their sovereignty and way of life. Oral agreements were often made, which were just as binding as written documents in their worldview.

From the perspective of the Canadian government, however, treaties were seen as a way to clear the land for settlement and economic development. The government wanted access to land to build the Canadian Pacific Railway, expand agricultural settlements, and develop natural resources. As a result, treaties became tools to facilitate this growth, often without fully considering the long-term impacts on Indigenous peoples.

Treaty 4, signed in 1874, is a key example of this dynamic. Covering much of southern Saskatchewan, Treaty 4 was meant to bring peace and establish rules for co-existence between Indigenous peoples and settlers. It promised things like education, healthcare, and protection for Indigenous communities, in exchange for land. Indigenous leaders believed these promises would help their people adapt to changing circumstances without losing their cultures or identities.

Despite these agreements, many of the promises made in treaties like Treaty 4 were not honored as Indigenous leaders expected. Land was taken, but the promised resources and support were often delayed, inadequate, or never provided. Over time, Indigenous communities faced the erosion of their traditional lands and ways of life, as well as challenges in accessing the promised services.

Today, historians and Indigenous leaders view the historical context of treaties as one of broken promises and misunderstandings. This history is crucial to understanding the ongoing struggles for Indigenous rights and the need for reconciliation in Canada. Treaties like Treaty 4 remain central to discussions about land, culture, and identity, as they are living agreements that still shape relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.

Key Elements of Treaties

Treaties in Canada, particularly the Numbered Treaties, are complex agreements that include promises and obligations on both sides. These elements of the treaties were intended to guide the relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. However, the interpretation and fulfillment of these promises have often been sources of disagreement.

One of the most important aspects of treaties was the land agreements. In the case of Treaty 4, which was signed in 1874, the Indigenous nations agreed to share vast areas of land in southern Saskatchewan with settlers. In return, they were promised certain protections and benefits. Land, for Indigenous peoples, was not simply a resource to be owned or divided—it was sacred, and it was integral to their cultures and ways of life. The idea of giving up control of land in exchange for goods and services was foreign to many Indigenous groups, leading to misunderstandings about what the treaties truly meant.

Another key element of treaties was the promise of education. Treaty 4, like other Numbered Treaties, included provisions for the creation of schools and the delivery of education to Indigenous communities. This was meant to help Indigenous peoples adapt to a rapidly changing world. However, the implementation of education systems often resulted in the establishment of residential schools, which forcibly removed children from their families and cultures. These schools have had long-lasting negative impacts on Indigenous communities, which is a significant part of Canada’s efforts toward Truth and Reconciliation today.

Treaties also included provisions for healthcare and protection. The government promised that Indigenous peoples would receive the healthcare services they needed as part of their agreements. However, much like with education, these promises were not always fully kept. Many Indigenous communities have faced a lack of adequate healthcare and other basic services, which has contributed to ongoing challenges related to poverty, illness, and access to resources.

The different interpretations of treaties by Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government are crucial to understanding their role in shaping Canadian identity. For Indigenous peoples, treaties were meant to be living agreements—sacred and binding across generations. These agreements were seen as partnerships and were often based on oral traditions. In contrast, the government viewed treaties as legal contracts written on paper, with clear rules for land use and settlement. This difference in interpretation has caused many conflicts over time, especially when the government failed to fulfill its obligations under the treaties.

Treaty rights are another vital aspect of these agreements. These rights, which include hunting, fishing, and trapping rights, were important for Indigenous peoples who relied on the land for their survival. The ability to continue their traditional ways of life was central to their acceptance of the treaties. While these rights were written into the treaties, there have been numerous legal battles over the years to ensure that Indigenous peoples can exercise them freely, especially as land use and resource extraction have changed across Canada.

In the modern context, treaties like Treaty 4 are recognized as foundational agreements that continue to have legal, cultural, and social importance. The Canadian government has acknowledged the need to honor and uphold these agreements, particularly in the context of reconciliation. Understanding the key elements of these treaties is essential to grasping how they have shaped relationships between Indigenous peoples and the rest of Canadian society.

How Treaties Have Shaped Canadian Identity

The treaties, especially the Numbered Treaties like Treaty 4, have had a profound and lasting impact on Canadian identity. These agreements have shaped relationships between Indigenous peoples and the government, and continue to influence how both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians understand their roles and responsibilities in the country today. By exploring how treaties have affected both groups, we can better understand their central role in defining what it means to be Canadian.

Impact on Indigenous Peoples:

For Indigenous peoples, the treaties represent both opportunity and loss. On one hand, they were intended as agreements to protect Indigenous ways of life while allowing for the arrival of settlers. Indigenous leaders who signed Treaty 4, for example, did so with the hope that it would help their people adapt to changing circumstances without losing their connection to the land and their cultures. Promises of education, healthcare, and economic support were made to ensure the survival of their communities.

However, many of these promises were not kept, or were fulfilled in ways that caused harm. The introduction of residential schools, which were included under the promise of education, led to the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families and the loss of cultural knowledge. Indigenous peoples were also often confined to reserves, which restricted their movement and access to traditional lands. These actions contributed to the marginalization of Indigenous peoples and a sense of betrayal, as the treaties were not honored in the way that many had expected.

Despite these challenges, the treaties have remained a cornerstone of Indigenous identity. Many Indigenous nations continue to fight for their treaty rights and use them as a basis for legal and political advocacy. The phrase “We Are All Treaty People” has become an important slogan in recent years, highlighting the idea that treaties are living agreements that must be respected and honored by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

Impact on Non-Indigenous Canadians:

For settlers and the Canadian government, the treaties allowed for the expansion and development of the country. The opening up of land for settlement, agriculture, and resource extraction was essential to the growth of Canada’s economy and infrastructure. Treaties like Treaty 4 enabled settlers to move into what is now southern Saskatchewan, helping to shape the demographic and cultural landscape of the region. Towns, cities, and industries were built on land that had been shared under these agreements.

However, as Canada developed, the government’s failure to honor many of the treaty promises created tension and conflict between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of treaties in shaping not only the physical landscape but also the social and political identity of Canada. The treaties are now seen as a foundational part of the country's legal framework, and their importance is emphasized in discussions about reconciliation and Indigenous rights.

Reconciliation and Modern Identity:

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), established in 2008, has played a significant role in reshaping how Canadians understand the impact of treaties on their national identity. The TRC's work has highlighted the injustices experienced by Indigenous peoples, particularly in relation to broken treaty promises and the residential school system. Through its 94 Calls to Action, the TRC has encouraged all Canadians to learn about treaties and the responsibilities that come with them.

One of the key messages of the TRC is that treaties are not just agreements of the past but are living documents that continue to shape relationships today. By acknowledging the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples as outlined in treaties like Treaty 4, Canadians are beginning to redefine their identity in a way that includes reconciliation as a core value.

"We Are All Treaty People":

The phrase “We Are All Treaty People” is increasingly used to emphasize that treaties affect everyone in Canada. While treaties were signed between Indigenous nations and the government, they impact all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. This understanding challenges Canadians to recognize their shared responsibility in honoring treaties and working toward reconciliation. It suggests that Canadian identity is not complete without acknowledging the role of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to the country’s history and future.

Treaties remind us that Canada is built on agreements to share land and resources. They serve as a reminder that Indigenous peoples were not simply passive recipients of European colonization but active participants in shaping the country. Today, treaties continue to influence how Canadians understand their rights, responsibilities, and the ongoing relationship with Indigenous nations.

The Role of Treaties in a Multicultural Canada:

As Canada embraces its identity as a multicultural society, the treaties play a key role in demonstrating how diverse peoples can live together with mutual respect. The recognition of Indigenous rights and sovereignty through the treaties serves as a model for how Canada can continue to honor its commitments to diversity and inclusion. The treaties represent a promise to work together and share the land in ways that benefit all people, while respecting the unique cultures and traditions of Indigenous communities.

The treaties, particularly Treaty 4, are not just historical documents—they are living agreements that continue to shape the way Canadians understand their identity. They remind us that the story of Canada is not just about settlers and development, but also about the ongoing relationships with Indigenous peoples and the importance of fulfilling the promises made. The future of Canadian identity will depend on how well these treaties are honored and how all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, work together to build a just and inclusive society.

Challenges and Opportunities in Treaty Relationships

While treaties like Treaty 4 were meant to establish fair relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers, many of the promises made during the signing of these agreements were never fully realized. One of the most significant issues surrounding Treaty 4 is the exclusion of mineral rights from the original agreement. Indigenous leaders agreed to share the land “to the depth of a plow,” meaning the surface land could be used for farming and settlement. However, the rights to the minerals, oil, and other valuable resources found below the surface were never part of the treaty agreement.

This omission has had profound consequences. Today, Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s wealthiest provinces in terms of natural resources, particularly in the areas of oil, potash, and uranium. These resources have generated significant wealth for companies and individuals in the province. However, Indigenous peoples in the Treaty 4 area have largely been excluded from sharing in the benefits of this wealth. Instead, many Indigenous communities continue to face high levels of poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services.

Economic Disparities:

While companies and non-Indigenous individuals profit from the resource extraction in Saskatchewan, many Indigenous peoples in Treaty 4 territory remain among the poorest populations in the province. This disparity highlights the broken promises of the treaty, where the sharing of land and resources was meant to benefit both parties equally. Indigenous communities were promised access to resources, but without mineral rights, they were effectively excluded from one of the most valuable aspects of the land.

The lack of economic opportunities has left many Indigenous communities struggling to overcome the effects of poverty. This economic marginalization is compounded by a lack of infrastructure, healthcare, and education, all of which were promised in the treaties but have not been adequately provided. As a result, Indigenous peoples in Treaty 4 face challenges in accessing not only the wealth generated from the land but also the basic services they need to thrive.

Unfulfilled Promises and Legal Battles:

Over the years, there have been numerous legal challenges related to the interpretation and fulfillment of treaties like Treaty 4. Indigenous nations have fought for their rights to the land and resources, but the exclusion of mineral rights from the original treaty remains a significant barrier to achieving true equality. Court rulings and legal negotiations continue to shape the way these issues are addressed, but progress has been slow.

Opportunities for Reconciliation:

Despite the challenges, there are opportunities for reconciliation and positive change. Modern-day treaty negotiations and land claims processes aim to address some of the gaps left by the original treaties. Efforts to involve Indigenous peoples in the management and stewardship of natural resources are ongoing. In some areas, Indigenous communities are negotiating impact benefit agreements with companies to ensure that they receive a share of the profits generated from resource extraction on their traditional lands.

Reconciliation efforts also focus on addressing the economic inequality that has resulted from the exclusion of Indigenous peoples from Saskatchewan’s resource wealth. By including Indigenous voices in discussions about land use, resource management, and economic development, there is hope for a more equitable future.

Pathways Forward:

One potential pathway to reconciliation is the duty to consult process, which requires governments and companies to consult Indigenous communities before proceeding with developments that could affect their rights and lands. This process, while imperfect, has opened the door for greater collaboration between Indigenous nations and industry.

Another opportunity lies in education and public awareness. As more Canadians learn about the historical injustices related to treaties like Treaty 4, there is increasing pressure on governments and industries to take meaningful action. Education about the exclusion of mineral rights, for example, helps shed light on why Indigenous communities are still fighting for their fair share of the wealth generated from their lands.

The challenges related to Treaty 4 and other treaties in Canada are far from resolved. However, there are opportunities for progress and healing through continued legal efforts, reconciliation projects, and greater involvement of Indigenous communities in resource management. Recognizing the economic disparity and working toward fairer agreements will be essential in addressing the long-term impacts of these treaties on Indigenous peoples.