TREATIES AND THE NATIONAL POLICY
ASSIGNMENT 7

Saskatchewan Archives R-B1627

The governments of Canada over the years have come up with various national policies on every issue from medicare to taxation. It was very important for the early governments of this country to establish a clear vision that could be followed throughout their terms in office. The Macdonald, Mackenzie, and Laurier governments all followed a national vision better known as a National Policy. This policy was made up of three parts. The first was a high tariff, which would keep cheaper American goods out of the country. This would allow Canadian business to expand. The second part of the policy was the railroad. It was extremely important that the country be linked from sea to sea. The railroad provided a way for manufacturers to get their products to market. The third part of the policy dealt with the opening up of western Canada to immigration. In order to do this the government of Canada entered in to treaty negotiations with First Nations people of western Canada. Those treaties negotiated in western Canada were referred to as the Numbered Treaties 1-11.

These sites will help you do the following activities.

ACTIVITIES

1. The Office of the Treaty Commissioner, in their "Statement of Treaties Issues" clearly points out that there were two worldviews negotiating at the treaty tables. Using the Statement of treaty issues as a base, list four spiritual beliefs held by First Nations people at the time of treaty. (2.2 Treaties As A Bridge To The Future)

2. List four reasons why the government of Canada was anxious to sign treaties. (2.7)

3. Why did First Nations leaders refused to negotiate with government officials until they had addressed the Hudson Bay Company issue?(2.7.1)

4. Chief Sweet Grass expressed a number of concerns that he had in a letter he had sent to the crown in 1871. Explain four of these concerns. (2.7.1)

5. Describe three concerns that Cree chiefs had at Treaty #6 negotiations.

6. What two ways did Alexander Morris try to satisfy the concerns of elders at Fort Carlton?

7. What were two concerns that First Nations leaders had at the Treaty #8 negotiations?

8. What were two concerns that elders had at Treaty #10 negotiations?

9. Are treaties negotiated on behalf of the Canadian government or the crown (Queen)? Explain your answer.