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What's Your Treaty Story ?
We all live in a Treaty area in Manitoba. Our stories unite us. We are all Treaty People.
Treaty Territories and communities of Manitoba. For more information on Treaties in Manitoba go to https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-today/
The story of the Manitoba Numbered Treaties includes all Manitobans. Beginning in 1871, Treaty No. 1 marked the footing of what was to become the Numbered Treaties between First Nations and the Crown. Treaties Number 2, 3, 4, 5, and 5 Adhesion ensued, as did Treaties 6, 9 and 10.
The Numbered Treaties were less of a beginning and more of a continuation of Treaty-making protocols that were long-established between First Nations groups and between First Nations and European newcomers both pre-dating 1871.
‘The Story of Manitoba Numbered Treaties’ tells the story of the Treaty relationship in our province. Enter the story chronologically with the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty and immerse yourself in the cartography. Explore the historical and contemporary images and take time to reflect on the quotes. Perhaps most importantly, find your place in the story.
Timeline of Manitoba's Treaties
1817
Peguis-Selkirk Treaty
1871
Treaty No.1
1871
Treaty No. 2
1873
Treaty No. 3
1874
Treaty No. 4
1875 & 1908-10
Treaty No. 5 and Treaty 5 Adhesion
1876
Treaty No. 6 Adhesion
1906
Treaty No. 10
The original Peguis-Selkirk Treaty. Learn more about Pre-Confederation Treaties at https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-with-the-crown-2/
View the geography of Manitoba like never before. Pinpoint your community, your school or workplace; hone your sense of place by finding where you are located in relation to significant Treaty-making sites. Honour the Treaty relationship by determining in what Treaty Territory you make your home. Find entry points to tell your Treaty story.
Use the swipe function to see what Treaty Territory you live, work or play in.
"The First Nations in Manitoba have a unique understanding of the world that is based on the concept of giftedness - miinigoowiziwin. Our people know that an individual is in the right place, in the right time, for the right reason and that he or she is gifted with purpose. You are taught how to use these gifts by the Creator over time." - Elder Louis Bird
TREATY TERRITORY No. 1
The Forks, located in Winnipeg on Treaty Territory No. 1 has always been a significant meeting point for all people of Manitoba.
Made over eight days during the summer of 1871, Treaty No.1 involved over one thousand First Nations, including both adults and children, who were led by a number of chiefs that included Mis-koo-kenew or Red Eagle (also known as Henry Prince), the son of Chief Peguis.
The Treaty took place at Lower Fort Garry, the ‘Stone Fort’ and was ratified on August 3, 1871 between seven Anishinabek and Swampy Cree chiefs and the Crown.
Treaty No. 1 was created at Lower Fort Garry, on August 3, 1871. For more information on this treaty visit https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-with-the-crown/
An historical map of Lower Fort Garry.
Treaty No. 1 territory begins at the Canada-US border west of the Lake of the Woods and from there runs northward to the centre of Whitemouth Lake and to the mouth of the Winnipeg River. From there, the boundary extends west, including all the island near the south end of Lake Winnipeg, across the lake to the mouth of the Drunken River, then further westward to a point on Lake Manitoba halfway between Oak Point and Swan Creek. Treaty No. 1 territory extends in a straight-line west across Lake Manitoba, veering south from the lake’s western shore to the crossing of the rapids on the Assiniboine River. From the crossing, the boundary runs due south to the international border.
Treaty Territory No. 1, which Manitoba's capital city, Winnipeg (Wiinibiig, Anishinaabe) , is found in. For more information on this treaty visit https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028664/1581294165927
Treaty No. 1 territory in southern Manitoba provides water corridors for the Red, Souris, and Assiniboine Rivers. Natural vegetation ranges from prairie grassland to aspen, and boreal forest. Using the map above, immerse yourself and explore the physical geography of this territory.
The Brandon Rapids, was an important crossing over the Assiniboine River. It is also important as the east side of the river is Treaty No. 1 Territory and the west side of the river is Treaty No. 2 Territory.
"Names and descriptions of sacred places are shared to ensure that the next generations knows the stories of the land , about those places and how we relate to the land." - Elder Augustine Keeper
Treaty No. 1 communities tell the story of the intimate links between the people and the land:
Using the pop ups on the map above learn the names of some of the Indigenous communities in Treaty Territory No. 1. Use the zoom tool to examine the physical geography of the area and see if you can see how the relationship between the Indigenous people and the land may have influenced the name of these communities.
- Sandy Bay First Nation – Gaa-wiikwedaawangagg – ‘along the sandy shore’
- Sagkeeng First Nation – Zaagiing – ‘at the mouth of the river’
- Swan Lake First Nation – Gaa-biskigamaag – ‘lake that is curved (like a swan)’
- Long Plain First Nation – Gaa-ginooshkodeyaag – ‘long plain’
TREATY TERRITORY No. 2
A modern picture of Manitoba House, where Treaty No. 2 was entered on August 21st, 1871.
Entered into on August 21, 1871 at Manitoba House, Treaty No. 2 was signed on behalf of the Anishinabe by Mekis, Sou-sonce, Ma-sah-kee-yash, François (Broken Fingers), and Richard Woodhouse. First Nations who travelled to the fort to make the Treaty travelled by a newly constructed road coming from the south or via the lake. Nine First Nation communities are signatories to the Treaty.
Manitoba House, was the location where Treaty No. 2 was made. For more information on treaty visit https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-with-the-crown/
Treaty No. 2 Territory extends north from the mouth of the Winnipeg River up the east shore of Lake Winnipeg, west across to Lake Manitoba and following its north shore across the centre and southwest of Manitoba, at Waterhen Lake further west across Lake Winnipegosis and then south along the Shell River to the Assiniboine, to the Moose Mountains in southeastern Saskatchewan. From there it goes south to the international border and then back east over to the beginning of Treaty No. 1 Territory.
The portion of Treaty Territory No. 2 which is located in Manitoba. For more information on this treaty visit https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028664/1581294165927
Treaty No. 2 Territory includes Riding Mountain National Park, Duck Mountain, Turtle Mountain, and Hecla/ Grindstone Provincial Park.
Treaty 2 Territory is made up of the prairie and boreal plains ecozones. This image is of Clear Lake, (Waazhegami-zaaga'iganiig, Anishinaabe), located in Riding Mountain National Park, (Ojiwing, Anishinaabe) , along the lake's shoreline are examples of mixed forest vegetation
Spirit of the Land and Water in Nawakwe Ojio. A discussion with Treaty No.2 elders Harry Bone and Dennis Whitebird.
"I remember about the land, my grandmother right for early times, said to me that I would always have to honour the land..." - Elder Wendy Whitecloud
Treaty No. 2 communities tell the story of the intimate links between the people and the land:
Using the pop ups on the map above learn some of the traditional names of the Indigenous communities in the Treaty Territory No. 2. Use the zoom tool to examine the physical geography of the area and see if you can see how the relationship between the Indigenous people and the land may have influenced the name of these communities.
- Ebb and Flow First Nation – Gaa-gwekwekojiwang – ‘water that flows back and forth’
- Pinaymootang First Nation – Binemoodaang – ‘partridge crop’
- Dauphin River First Nation – Zaaskajiwaning– ‘where the water recedes’
TREATY TERRITORY No. 3
Pine Point Rapids, located in Whiteshell Provincial Park and in Treaty Territory No. 3. This area is located in the boreal shield ecozone.
Treaty No. 3 was made on October 3, 1873 at the Northwest Angle (The Treaty was actually made on the American side of the inlet at Harrison Creek). The Treaty area lies mostly within the borders of Ontario; however, Manitoba’s Buffalo Point First Nation is a party to Treaty No. 3. Chief Ayashwash signed the Treaty for Buffalo Point First Nation.
The important locations of the Treaty No. 3 creation process. For more information on this treaty visit https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-with-the-crown/
The History of Treaty No. 3
Treaty No. 3 Territory in Manitoba begins at the southeast corner of the province and extends northward to a point south of the Bloodvein River. From there, the boundary travels on a 45-degree angle to just north of the Manigotagan River. The territory’s border continues southward intersecting the Winnipeg River near Sagkeeng and then travels south through Whitemouth Lake, abutting Treaty No. 1 Territory to the west and the US-Canada border to the south.
The portion of Treaty Territory #No. 3 which is located in Manitoba. For more information on this treaty visit https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028675/1581294028469
Treaty No. 3 Territory in Manitoba straddles the natural border between the flatlands of the eastern prairie and the exposed rock and boreal forest of the Canadian Shield. Much of Whiteshell Provincial Heritage Park is located within this Treaty Territory. Using the map above, take a virtual field trip and explore the physical geography of Treaty Territory No. 3.
Whiteshell Provincial Park is located within Treaty No. 3 Territory. The rugged but beautiful physical geography of this area consists of the rocks of the Canadian Shield, boreal forests and many lakes and rivers.
A turtle petroform, one of many located at the Bannock Point Petroforms (Manitou Api, ‘where the Creator sits’, Anishinaabe) for more information on this site https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/pubs/parks-protected-spaces/park_info/whiteshell_petro.pdf
Within the Whiteshell are the Bannock Point Petroforms, these rock formations are sacred to First Nations and mark the heart of Turtle Island, the continent of North America.
TREATY TERRITORY No. 4
Treaty No. 4 was negotiated and entered in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan. The adhesion to Treaty No. 4 was made in Fort Ellice, Manitoba.
Treaty No. 4 was negotiated and entered into on September 15 and 21, 1874 at Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. First Nations within Manitoba signed adhesions at Fort Ellice. The larger portion of the Treaty area can be found in Saskatchewan; however, a small part of western Manitoba is covered by Treaty No. 4. Thirteen chiefs signed the Treaty, including Pis-qua (Pasqua, The Plain), Ka-wa-ca-toose (Lean-man or Poor-man), and Gabriel Cote.
Fort Ellice, Manitoba is an important location in the history of Treaty No. 4, for more information on this treaty visit https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-with-the-crown/
The History of Fort Ellice and Treaty Four - Elder James Cote (Waywayseecappo FN - Treaty 4)
The Duck and Porcupine Mountains, the Swan River Valley, the Assiniboine River Valley along with the northwest shore Lake Winnipegosis, Red Deer Lake, and the rolling plains and mixed forests that make up Manitoba’s parkland are all located within Treaty No. 4 Territory.
The portion of Treaty Territory No. 4 which is located in Manitoba. For more information visit https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028689/1581293019940
A portion of mixed forest of the Porcupine Mountains, a common example of physical geography which is found in this treaty territory.
"... we give thanks for whatever we use, when we get water, we give thanks to the Great Spirit, the water spirit. When we get trees, we give thanks to the..... tree spirit. Every living creature in the world has its own living spirit." - Elder Moses Bignell
Treaty No. 4 communities tell the story of the intimate links between the people and the land:
Using the pop ups on the map above learn some of the traditional names of the Indigenous communities in the Treaty territory No. 4. Use the zoom tool to examine the physical geography of the area and see if you can see how the relationship between the Indigenous people and the land may have influenced the name of these communities.
- Sapotaweyak Cree Nation – Sapotaweyak – ‘where the water runs through’
- Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation – Wuskwi Sipihk – ‘birch river’
- Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation – Dootinaawi-ziibiing – ‘valley river’
TREATY TERRITORY No. 5
Some Treaty No.5 communities are located in the boreal plains ecozone, this is an example of the geography found in this ecozone.
Treaty No. 5 was entered into by the largest number of First Nation communities within Manitoba at different locations and times. The first negotiation took place at Berens River on September 20, 1875 and continued at different First Nation communities around Lake Winnipeg in 1875 and 1876. Known as ‘The Winnipeg Treaty’, (Treaty Commissioners used the lake a means of travel to various First Nations), several First Nations leaders were Treaty signatories, including Chief Jacob Berens of Berens River, Chief David Rundle of Norway House, and Chief John Constant of Opaskwayak.
Lake Winnipeg, is Manitoba's largest lake and provided an important transportation route as Commissioners visited First Nation Communities during treaty negotiations. For more information on Treaty No. 5 visit https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-with-the-crown/
Norway House: A meeting place, the birth place of the Cree Syllabic and one of the locations where Treaty No. 5 was made.
Treaty No. 5 Territory covers a large swath of modern-day Manitoba. Beginning at the north corner of Treaties No. 1 and 3; then easterly along the boundary of Treaty No. 3. The territory includes the entire northern shores of Lakes Winnipeg and Winnipegosis and stretches as far south on the eastern side of the province as Little Black River, about 96 degrees east. Treaty 5 territory includes Manitoba’s Interlake regions, north of Lake St. Martin.
The "Winnipeg Treaty", Treaty No. 5 Territory as well as the Territory from the Treaty 5 Adhesion show on the map above for more information on these treaties visit https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028699/1581292696320
The northern boundary with Treaty 5 Adhesion runs south of Flin Flon, skirting the northern shore of the Burntwood River, circling Split Lake to the north, and swinging southeast to approximately the 54th parallel on the current Manitoba- Ontario border. Manitoba Great Lakes, the mighty Nelson River and others, along with the boreal forest and exposed rock of the Canadian Shield, are defining elements of Treaty No. 5 territory’s geography. The territory’s southerly borders act as transition zones to the lowlands of the interlake and the northern extent of the prairies.
Water, rock and coniferous trees are a common site in this treaty territory.
"When we live in a relationship with the land, we will learn from it, but we also most care for it. We need to know the land and the places that are for us to use for certain purposes." - Elder Gordon Bighetty
Treaty No. 5 communities tell the story of the intimate links between the people and the land.
Using the pop ups on the map above learn some of the traditional names of the Indigenous communities in the Treaty territory No. 5. Use the zoom tool to examine the physical geography of the area and see if you can see how the relationship between the Indigenous people and the land may have influenced the name of these communities.
- Opaskwayak Cree Nation – Opaskwayak – ‘people of the wooded area’
- Shamattawa First Nation - Kisemattawa - 'where two rivers meet'
- Wasagamack First Nation - Wasagamack - 'bay'
- Nisichawayashik Cree Nation - Nisichawayashik - 'where three rivers meet'
- Hollow Water First Nation – Waanibiigaaw– ‘hole in the lake’
- Norway House Cree Nation – Kinosew Sipi – ‘fish river’
TREATY TERRITORY No. 6
Treaty No.6 communities are located in the boreal shiled ecozone, this is an example of the geography found in this ecozone.
The area comprised by Treaty No. 6 extends across the central portions of the present provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Treaty was negotiated on August 23 & 28, and September 9, 1876 at Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan. Two Manitoba First Nations signed its adhesions: Mathias Colomb and Marcel Colomb.
Treaty No. 6 community, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation is also known as Pukatawagan, Cree for ‘fishing place’ and tells the story of the intimate links between the people and the land.
Using the pop ups on the map above learn some of the traditional names of the Indigenous communities in the Treaty Territory No. 6. Use the zoom tool to examine the physical geography of the area and see if you can see how the relationship between the indigenous people and the land may have influenced the name of these communities. For more information on this treaty visit https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-with-the-crown/ or https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028710/1581292569426
TREATY TERRITORY No. 9
Part of Treaty No. 9 is located in the Hudson Plains Ecozone.
A portion of the northeast part of present-day Manitoba is part of the Adhesion to Treaty No. 9 which was formalized in 1929-30 in four different locations: Trout Lake, Windigo River, Fort Severn, and Winisk. While there are no permanent communities in the portion of Treaty No. 9 in Manitoba, First Nations people still access their ancestral lands and waters in this area.
Important locations in the treaty making process of Treaty No. 9.
The first part of Treaty No. 9, also known as the James Bay Treaty, was made in 1905-1906, covering a large portion of northeastern Ontario. A section of the northeast part of present-day Manitoba is part of the Adhesion to Treaty No. 9 which was formalized in 1929-30. Even though there are no communities in Manitoba’s Treaty No. 9 Territory today, there remain strong familial ties between Manitoba First Nations such as Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, and Pikangikum to ancestral lands as far north as Fort Severn near the Hudson Bay coast.
The portion of Treaty Territory No. 9 which is located in Manitoba. For more information on this treaty in Manitoba visit https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028863/1581293189896
TREATY TERRITORY No. 10
A common image of the rugged beauty of the taiga shield ecozone where Treaty No. 10 communities are located.
Treaty No. 10 was originally entered into at Canoe Lake, Saskatchewan between August 28 and September 9, 1906. The majority of the Treaty No. 10 area exists within Saskatchewan. Two First Nation communities in Manitoba are signatories to Treaty No. 10: Barren Lands and Northlands.
Using the pop ups on the map above learn some of the traditional names of the Indigenous communities in the Treaty Territory No. 10. Use the zoom tool to examine the physical geography of the area and see if you can see how the relationship between the Indigenous people and the land may have influenced the name of these communities. For more information on this treaty visit https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-with-the-crown/ or https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028874/1581292941464
Treaty No. 10 community, Northlands Denesuline First Nation is also known as Dahlu T'ua Dene , which means Jack Fish Lake and tells the story of the intimate links between the people and the land.
DAKOTA
The Dakota territory is made up of the grassland vegetation region and the prairie ecozone.
Dakota Oyate ancestral territory covers a large geographic region. They traditionally shared the land with many other First Nations. Like all Indigenous peoples in North America, the Dakota hunted, trapped, fished, and gathered over a large area.
The approximate extent of the traditional territory of the Dakota people. For more information on the Dakota people visit https://trcm.ca/lets-talk-treaties/treaties-with-the-crown/
"Everything gathered or used was because of the belief that the Great Spirit placed them here...Everything was considered sacred, animals, fowl and insects, and small creatures. This was their view and they lived accordingly." - Elder Doris Pratt
The self governed community of Sioux Valley, surrounded by a sea of agriculture and located in the grassland vegetation region.
In present-day Manitoba, Dakota communities are located in the southwestern portion of the province. They are: Sioux Valley, Dakota Tipi, Canupawakpa, Dakota Plains, and Birdtail Sioux.
Dakota communities tell the story of the intimate links between the people and the land:
Using the pop ups on the map above learn some of the traditional names of the Indigenous communities in the Dakota territory. Use the zoom tool to examine the physical geography of the area and see if you can see how the relationship between the Indigenous people and the land may have influenced the name of these communities.
• Sioux Valley Dakota Nation – Wipazoka Wakpa – ‘saskatoon (berries) river’
• Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation – Wakhpetunwin Otinta – ‘leaf dwellers’
WHAT IS YOUR TREATY STORY?
What is Your Treaty Story?
Treaty Territories and Manitoba School Divisions: Use the map to add a sense of place to your school's acknowledgement statement or gain some insight to help you tell your own Treaty Story.
"Your stories are beautiful. These are your stories. They should be taken to that school and told there so that the children can hear them too... so that our children will not forget..." - Elder Nathan McGillvary
My Personal Treaty Narrative
Using the resources below as a guide, in audio or text tell your own Treaty Story.