Treaties 6, 7, and 8 in Canada

• Lacombe is located in Treaty 6 territory.
• Treaty 6, 7, and 8 are agreements between the Canadian government and various Indigenous nations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and parts of British Columbia.
• These treaties were signed in the late 19th century.
• They form the basis for the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous nations.
• Key discussion points included healthcare, education, hunting/fishing rights, reserves, farming assistance, and payments.
• Canada sought land for settlers and to construct a railroad.
• First Nations aimed to secure their future and improve healthcare and food access.
• Negotiations faced challenges due to the need for interpreters.
• The Canadian government recorded treaties in written form
• First Nations relied on oral tradition.
• First Nations and Canada had fundamentally different views regarding land ownership.

Treaty Significance

• The treaties acknowledge Indigenous sovereignty over traditional territories.
• They recognize the right of Indigenous people to live according to their laws and traditions.
• The treaties establish rights and obligations for both the Crown and Indigenous nations.
• The Crown is obligated to provide certain services to Indigenous peoples.
• Indigenous nations are obligated to share the land with settlers.
• The treaties represent a formal recognition of Indigenous peoples and nations by the Crown.
• It was a starting point for the government's relationship with Indigenous peoples.
• Indigenous peoples are recognized as distinct political, cultural, and social entities with specific rights.
• This recognition is important for protecting and recognizing Indigenous identity and status.