Native Studies 30

UNIT ONE - ABORIGINAL AND TREATY RIGHTS

Assignment

TREATY NEGOTIATIONS
ASSIGNMENT 9

Provincial Archives of Alberta
A-3249

The various governments of Canada in the 1870's 80's and 1890's had a clear goal in mind for the new territories of the west. The land needed to be populated and to do these treaties had to be negotiated so that the land could be sold to prospective immigrants. With the construction of the C.P.R. new immigrants would arrive, the country would be united from sea to sea, and the Americans would be kept below the 49th.
It is also important to understand the thinking of First Nations leaders during this time period. These brave leaders had to make some very difficult decisions. They knew that life for First Nations people had to change dramatically. These were decisions, which could not be taken lightly and needed a lot of discussion. After much debate, decisions were made and treaty negotiations were entered into.

These sites will help you do the following activities.

Canadian Savage Folk -19th century book written in the 1890's, read pages 382-388
Poundmaker
Treaty Negotations
The Treaties at Forts Carlton and Pitt -Alexander Morriss's views on Treaty negotiations read pages 201-222
Virtual Saskatchewan- Poundmaker

ACTIVITIES

1. What were the views of the following individuals at the signing of Treaty Number Six? What did each want and what did each like or dislike about the negotiations?

Poundmaker
Mistiwasis
Big Bear
Beardy
Ahtahkakoop (Starblanket)
Badger

2. What were the views of Alexander Morris at the time of treaty negotiations?

3. Describe problems that might arise at these negotiations when one party only communicates in English. The interpreters may or may not of spoken Cree or Sualteaux as there first language. Complicated by the fact that First Nations leaders spoke little or no English.

4. Were the numbered treaties a good settlement for First Nations people? Explain and support your answer.

5. Were the numbered treaties a good settlement for the government of Canada? Explain and support your answer.

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Resources

Video - Treaty Four and Treaty Seven