M2 - Learner Manual

Canada - The Numbered Treaties (or Post-Confederation Treaties) are a series of eleven treaties signed between the Aboriginal peoples in Canada (or First Nations) and the reigning monarch of Canada (Victoria, Edward VII or George V) from 1871 to 1921.

Britain and the Canadian Governments have entered into many treaties with Canada's Aboriginal people. The first was in 1701, but they continued to sign treaties after the constitution formed the foundation of the Canadian government.

Earlier treaties focused on maintaining the peace with the indigenous peoples. Later treaties focused on trading agricultural goods and land rights. Twenty-six treaties have been signed since 1973 to settle Indigenous rights to land, water and resources. Some of the agreements also allow aboriginal people to self-govern. The Government is still negotiating about 100 land-claim and self-government treaties.

Treaties, though sometimes complex and out-dated, still speak of rights and land. There is a preference by Indigenous people in Australia for a Treaty and talks have been in place for many years since the early records of Aboriginal activism.

Please go to the Supplementary Resources, on Moodle for additional information in articles, videos, audio and website links, related to the topics in Block 2.