Activity 2 page 3

In this activity, you will focus on the Numbered Treaties, also called the Land Cession or Post-Confederation Treaties, which were signed between 1871 and 1921. These treaties granted the federal government large tracts of land throughout the Prairies, the Canadian North, and northwestern Ontario for settlement and industrial use.

In exchange for the land, Canada promised to give the First Nations peoples various items including cash, blankets, tools, and farming supplies.


Read "What are the Numbered Treaties?" on pages 124 to 127 of the textbook, Issues for Canadians, to learn more about the Numbered Treaties.


The First Nations view treaties as sacred nation-to-nation agreements. They are the laws that were established between and agreed upon by the Queen's representatives and the First Nations' leaders.


Read the two Elders' statements on the bottom of page 125 of your textbook, Issues for Canadians. What are their perspectives on these treaty agreements?

Going Beyond

 Internet Web Search

Canada has signed treaties with other countries and groups for various reasons. Research online to find examples of these treaties. Why is it important for Canada to sign treaties with other nations or groups?

You may look for examples of various types of treaties, such as trade, adoption, income tax, and Arctic treaties.