Treaties 1 and 2 (Plain-Language Summary)

Several treaties were signed between the federal government and Indigenous peoples in Canada between 1871 and 1921. They are known as “Numbered Treaties.” The first two treaties were signed in 1871. Treaty 1 was signed by the Anishinaabe and Swampy Cree of southern Manitoba. Treaty 2 was signed by the Anishinaabe of southern Manitoba. The government and Indigenous peoples had different goals. The government wanted land for future immigrants. Indigenous peoples aimed to protect their lands and way of life. These treaties were controversial when they were made. They remain controversial today.

This article is a plain-language summary of Treaties 1 and 2. If you are interested in reading about this topic more in depth, please see our full-length entry, Treaties 1 and 2.

The Push for Treaties 1 and 2

Canada became a nation in 1867. Before this time, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) controlled an area called Rupert’s Land. This area was in what is now Western Canada (the Prairies), Northern Canada and Nunavut. In 1869, the HBC sold its land to Canada. Indigenous peoples were not asked about what they thought about this transfer of land. The Métis were incredibly concerned. They fought back. This fight is called the Red River Resistance. This led to the Manitoba Act. It also gave the Métis some land. First Nations peoples were left out again.

First Nations peoples, similar to the Métis, were also upset. After all, they had been living on the land since time immemorial. It was, in fact, their land. Starting in the 1850s, First Nations peoples in Manitoba began asking for a treaty. They believed a treaty could help them secure rights over land. In time, the federal government too began to think about making a treaty. In 1870, Ottawa sent Adams G. Archibald to Manitoba. He was to be the new lieutenant-governor. His main job was to sign a treaty or treaties with Indigenous peoples in the region.

Treaty Negotiations

Adams G. Archibald, like Ottawa, aimed to get land for immigrants in Manitoba and the North-West Territories. Much of this land was particularly good for agriculture. This was especially true of the lands west of the Red River Valley. Archibald and Ottawa aimed to get the most land they could at a small cost. Indigenous peoples aimed to retain as much land as possible. In addition, they hoped to get help from the government so that they could farm and receive an education as well. The two sides disagreed a lot. However, by November 1871, two treaties were made.

The Terms of the Treaties

The terms of the treaties were, and still are, controversial. The main reason for this is that some of the terms were written and some of the terms were not. The terms that were not written are referred to as “Outside Promises.” The “Outside Promises” were the promises that the government made to Indigenous peoples orally. According to the written terms of the treaties, every band was to get 160 acres for a family of five. And each person was to be given a yearly payment from Ottawa. In addition, the government promised that one school would be located on every reserve. The “Outside Promises” included giving farm implements and livestock to Indigenous peoples. Most were fulfilled in 1875.

Treaties 1 and 2 Today

Many of the “Outside Promises” were not fulfilled. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the spirit of the treaties is different than the written text. Some argue Indigenous peoples did not understand some Euro-Canadian concepts in the treaties. Thus, the Supreme Court said courts must consider Indigenous understandings of treaties. Certainly, like the other Numbered Treaties, Treaties 1 and 2 will continue to be debated for quite some time.