A Timeline of Aboriginal Treaties in Canada
An activity for use with the Canada in the Making site
The history of treaty process in Canada has gone through several
stages. This activity will give you the opportunity to look at a
range of treaties (and the context surrounding them) from the period
of New France to the present. You will analyze these primary sources
(historical documents) and draw conclusions about what was really
intended or hoped for in these treaties - and whether these hopes
were realized. You will make a presentation of your findings and
contribute to a timeline of documents and events.
The first part of this activity is to create a timeline of important
documents. Though there have been many constitutional amendments
over the years, some documents stand out. You will be looking at documents
available in the different sections of the Aboriginals: Treaties
and Relations portion of this Web site.
1. 1499-1779: From First Contact to the Peace and Friendship
2. 1763-1791:The Royal Proclamation, 1763, and Québec
3. 1764-1836: Pre-Confederation Treaties I
4. 1811-1867: Pre-Confederation Treaties II
5. 1867-1870: The British North America Act, 1867, and Sale of
Selkirk Treaty Lands
6. The First Five Numbered Treaties
7. The Indian Act, 1876
8. Numbered Treaties Six and Seven
9. Last of the Numbered Treaties
10. The Williams Treaties and Land Transfer Agreements
11. The Aboriginal Rights Movement
12. Constitutional Reforms and Crises
For each of these sections, you will need to research and present
information all of the following, if applicable:
What was the most important document or documents
of the period cover in your section?
In some sections, there are documents that may have had more
historical importance than others. Identify the m and use them
to answer the questions below.
- The major issue or events addressed by the document.
What events led to the document or documents in this section?
Briefly describe them. For example, were the negotiators trying
to settle a long conflict, gain allies, or transferring the rights
to land so that Europeans could settle and Aboriginals could gain
other perceived benefits?
If there was a theme (or themes) behind treaties and
other documents in this era, what would it be? Consider both
the Aboriginal and European perspective.
- Gaining a peaceful settlement to a long conflict.
- Finding ways to co-exist.
- Opening land for European settlement.
- Getting the materials to survive.
Where do these events and documents fit into the current
state of Aboriginal relations with federal and provincial governments?
Explain which of the following key issues - and there may
be more -the treaties in your section relate to today.
- Hunting and fishing rights
- Land and resource rights
- Health care
Describe how they relate. For example, for what reason do Aboriginals
claim that they have land rights?
How did these documents affect the relationship between
the Aboriginal peoples who signed and the French or British
colonial authorities, or the Canadian government?
Was there anything that might offend certain Aboriginals
Note what they are, and why they would be offensive.
Discuss all answers with your group. Put your answers on a sheet
of paper and create a timeline that looks something like this:
Your work may be presented in point form or as paragraphs. The
use of illustrations is encouraged.
Note on Sources
Primary sources represent the most authentic resources that historians
can draw upon. The documents that you will be using below may be
digitized, but are still considered primary sources. Try to use
the sources available on the "Canada's Constitutional History"
portion of the Canada in the Making Web site to strengthen
For tips on how to use primary sources, go to the "Using Primary
Sources in Your Work" page.
Secondary sources are works that interpret or analyze an historical
event or phenomenon. Generally the author is at least one step removed
from the event. Although not as authentic as primary sources, secondary
sources are still valuable.
Possible Sources of Information Online
Note: It is important to choose sources that are
produced by reputable institutions or individuals. Such information
is more likely to give you a balanced, neutral view and be prepared
or reviewed by experts.
Canada in the Making: An Overview of the Numbered Treaties
Canada in the Making: Aboriginals: Treaties and Relations
The Canadian Encyclopedia
Natural Resources Canada: The Atlas of Canada
Indian and Northern Affairs: The Historic Treaty Information site
National Archives of Canada: Pride and Dignity