TREATIES

BIG IDEA

There often exists a variety of complex factors involved in

treaties.

BEFORE DISCOVERY

Before the European discovery of Canada, Aboriginal peoples had an entire continent to themselves

• Cultures and traditions• Language• Code of conduct and customs

Arrival of European changed everything and affected the Aboriginal people’s relationship with the land and its resources.

LACK OF GOVERNMENT

• Lack of central government did not mean that Aboriginal peoples could not make

treaties.

• They often entered into alliances and treaties, but did not record them.

DID YOU KNOW?!

The Great Law of Peace of the People of the Longhouse is one of the earliest recorded treaties

negotiated between the Seneca, Mohawk, and Cayuga tribes before 1450.

•Covered 117 articles of governing customs and relationships

•Written for the first time in 1880

WHEN EUROPEANS ARRIVED

• They imposed European methods upon the Aboriginal peoples they

met.

• These treaties were usually written and form the basis of many land

claims by Aboriginal nations today.

THE GREAT PEACE OF 1701

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25m93JVO7kw

Article: The Treaty of Albany (Great Peace of 1701)

GREAT PEACE ACTIVITY

Complete the “Examination of the Great Peace of 1701” worksheet

with the help of your devices

THE GREAT PEACE OF 1701

• An example of early treaty making between Europeans and Aboriginal peoples.

• Today: • sets a precedent the use of negotiation to settle disputes

between First Nations peoples and European colonial representatives in what is now Canada.

• Sets the foundation for the expansion of the “empire” of New France to the south and west,

ROYAL PROCLAMATION OF 1763

Answer your worksheet as the following slides proceed

ROYAL PROCLAMATION OF 1763

Context•After the Seven Year War, Britain is the primary power in North America

•Controlled the fur trade

•The British recognized that they needed to make alliances with the Aboriginal peoples to ensure the success of their colonies

•Signed into effect in October 7, 1763 by King George III

INFLUENCE ON EUROPEAN COLONIES

• For the colonies, acted as basis of civil administration – guided the governor

• Ended French civil law and privileged status of the Catholic Church

• Beginning of assimilation of French population

• Established a western boundary

INFLUENCE ON ABORIGINAL PEOPLES

• All lands west of the western boundary became “Indian Territories”

• Limited the area where colonists could settle and trade – needed permission from the Crown

• Indian Department became the primary contact between Aboriginal peoples and colonies

• Only the Crown could purchase land from Aboriginal nations – had to hold public meetings

INFLUENCE ON TREATIES

• Needed the presence of both parties (for the most part) – Aboriginal peoples and the Crown

• Needed consent between the two parties

• Compensation for land and resources must be given

PROBLEMS

What was wrong with the Royal Proclamation?

Was it a fair document?

PROBLEMS

• Designed by the British without consulting the Aboriginal nations

• Establishes that Britain as a monopoly over Aboriginal lands

SIGNIFICANCE

Why was the Royal Proclamation so important?

SIGNIFICANCE

• The Royal Proclamation was the first time that Aboriginal peoples’ rights, rights to land, and titles had been publically acknowledged

• Seen as a first step towards self-government

HOMEWORK

•1) Examine the primary sources:• An Excerpt from the Royal Proclamation of

1763• Image of the Royal Proclamation of 1763

2) Answer the questions