Treaties
What is a treaty?
A legally binding agreement between Indigenous Nations and the Crown/government.
What is a reserve?
Land designated by the government for the use of an Indigenous community.
What is intergenerational trauma?
Trauma passed down through generations due to events like residential schools and displacement.
What does the word “advocacy” mean in this context?
Taking action to support Indigenous rights, equity, and justice.
What federal law still governs many aspects of Indigenous life in Canada?
The Indian Act.
What was the original purpose of treaties for Indigenous Nations?
To establish peaceful relationships and shared land use.
Why were reserves created?
To control Indigenous populations and open land for settlers.
Name one cultural impact of colonization.
Loss of language, loss of ceremony, suppression of cultural practices, etc.
Name one method Indigenous communities use to protect their rights.
Land defence camps, legal action, community protests, cultural revitalization, etc.
What court decision affirmed Indigenous hunting and fishing rights based on treaties?
The Sparrow Decision (1990).
Why are many treaties considered “broken” or dishonored today?
Governments failed to uphold their obligations, such as land rights and resource sharing.
Name one challenge faced on many reserves due to government underfunding.
Lack of clean drinking water, inadequate housing, limited healthcare, etc.
What system was used to forcibly remove Indigenous children from their families?
Residential schools or the Sixties Scoop.
What is “Two-Eyed Seeing”?
A framework combining Indigenous knowledge and Western knowledge.
What term refers to Indigenous Nations recognized as having their own governance systems and laws before colonization?
Sovereign nations.
Name one numbered treaty in Canada.
Treaty 1, Treaty 3, Treaty 6, etc.
Reserves are often located far from traditional territories. What major impact does this have?
Disconnection from cultural sites, food systems, and traditional ways of life.
What is one social impact Indigenous communities face today due to historical policies?
Higher rates of poverty, mental health challenges, housing insecurity, etc.
What does “self-determination” mean for Indigenous Nations?
The right to govern themselves and make decisions about their communities.
What is a land claim?
A legal process seeking recognition or return of land taken unfairly.
What is the term used when Indigenous Nations pursue the return of land taken through unfair or violated treaties?
Land back (or land claims).
What major federal policy controlled life on reserves for decades?
The Indian Act.
What major commission produced 94 Calls to Action to support healing and reconciliation?
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
What movement advocates for the return of Indigenous land and decision-making power?
The Land Back movement.
What modern agreement grants Indigenous communities more control over resources and land management?
Self-government agreements or modern treaties.