Treaties affect all people living in Canada today
It is important to recognize that treaties affect all people living in Canada today – not only First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. According to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada:
“The treaties the Crown has signed with Aboriginal peoples since the 18th century have permitted the evolution of Canada as we know it.”
Dru Oja Jay argues that while most people in Canada associate treaties with Indigenous peoples, in fact they have treaty rights and responsibilities too. He points out that:
“Thanks to treaties, Canadians have the ability to share the land, move freely about, conduct economic activity, govern themselves in the manner they choose, and maintain their culture and spiritual beliefs without fear of persecution…In places where treaties are in effect, every building, business, road, government, or other activity is made possible by a treaty” (Dru Oja Jay, 2013).
Aboriginal rights are another important component of the relationship between settlers and Indigenous peoples in Canada. Aboriginal rights, along with treaty rights, are enshrined in section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. They are supported in law and policy, and reflected in important court decisions like Sparrow, Delgamuukw and Marshall. While we do not have time to learn more about the complex history of Aboriginal rights, you can read more about them here.
AANDC (n.d.). A History of Treaty-Making in Canada. Ottawa: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Available for download here.
It is important to recognize that treaties affect all people living in Canada today – not only First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. According to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada:
“The treaties the Crown has signed with Aboriginal peoples since the 18th century have permitted the evolution of Canada as we know it.”
Dru Oja Jay argues that while most people in Canada associate treaties with Indigenous peoples, in fact they have treaty rights and responsibilities too. He points out that:
“Thanks to treaties, Canadians have the ability to share the land, move freely about, conduct economic activity, govern themselves in the manner they choose, and maintain their culture and spiritual beliefs without fear of persecution…In places where treaties are in effect, every building, business, road, government, or other activity is made possible by a treaty” (Dru Oja Jay, 2013).
Visit: Know Your Rights: A treaty primer for non-Natives
Aboriginal rights are another important component of the relationship between settlers and Indigenous peoples in Canada. Aboriginal rights, along with treaty rights, are enshrined in section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. They are supported in law and policy, and reflected in important court decisions like Sparrow, Delgamuukw and Marshall. While we do not have time to learn more about the complex history of Aboriginal rights, you can read more about them here.
AANDC (n.d.). A History of Treaty-Making in Canada. Ottawa: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Available for download here.
Close this window to return to the course