You know that many First Nations, particularly on the Prairies, had lived nomadic lives. This means they moved throughout the region during the various seasons following the animals they hunted.

Indigenous peoples did not understand the idea of anyone actually owning land. In their culture, they simply saw both themselves and the land as partners with nature.

The Europeans regarded the land in Canada as all open and could therefore be occupied. Indigenous peoples often wished to discuss sharing access to lands and resources. Over time, attempts to solve these differences were done first with alliances, then with treaties, and finally with legislation.

In this activity, you will learn about the effects of the treaties on the lives of Indigenous peoples.

A treaty is a formal agreement between two nations. Treaties began with the signing of peace and friendship treaties. These first treaties were not about land, they were regarding cooperation.

 In 1850, land and surrender treaties began to be negotiated in Upper Canada. From 1871 through 1921, numbered treaties 1 through 11 were signed across western Canada and in parts of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. The comprehensive land claims (treaty) process began in 1975.

 
 The treaties were agreements that set out promises between the government and Indigenous peoples. Most of the agreements described exchanges where Indigenous groups agreed to share some of their interests in lands in return for various payments and promises.

In exchange for giving up their title to the land and other rights, Indigenous peoples would be given money and other benefits in return. These treaties promised reserve lands, hunting and fishing rights, money, annual payments, and assistance with education, medical care, and agricultural machinery to the Indigenous peoples. However, not all of the promises made by the government were respected.