Treaty 6: Not a Thing of the Past
I’m a born-and-raised resident of Edmonton—or Amiskwaciwâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ), the Cree name for the city meaning ‘Beaver Mountain House.’ Edmonton is on Treaty 6 territory, which is home to many Indigenous peoples and nations including Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, as well as Métis, Inuit, and other nations not represented by the Treaty.
As a university student, it’s not uncommon for me to see Treaty acknowledgements tagged on to email signatures or workshop introductions. In fact, the University of Alberta even suggests a list of traditional territorial acknowledgements on their website. But in the spirit of Treaty Recognition Week, it’s important to go beyond land acknowledgements and take the time to learn more about Treaty 6.
Treaty 6 was signed in 1876 between the British Crown, who primarily wanted to extinguish Indigenous’s title to the land, and the Indigenous peoples, who were concerned about the survival of their people due to the spread of diseases and the eradication of the bison. There still remains a difference in understanding between the obligations and rights that are included in the Treaty. From the British Crown’s perspective, all of the Treaties included the surrendering of the land, with specific promises to assist the Indigenous peoples and small sections of land set aside as reserves. However, the Elders did not believe they were forfeiting their land in exchange for promises and instead believed they would be able to continue living as usual while co-existing with the settlers. These tensions—and the accompanying lack of accountability on the government’s side—are still relevant today.
In fact, the promises made in Treaty 6 couldn’t be more relevant than in today’s time. What is unique to Treaty 6 is a promise from the Crown to assist in agriculture, provide a “medicine chest” to be kept at their houses, and to protect Indigenous peoples in times of famine and pestilence. In today’s time, ‘medicine chest’ has been interpreted as the federal government having an obligation to provide healthcare to Indigenous people on an ongoing basis.
This year the ‘medicine chest’ clause has been activated by four First Nations of Maskwacis, declaring a state of emergency due to COVID-19.
“Our ancestors knew these days are coming and we overcame many obstacles so that we could stand here today. They made sure the clause would be there in time of great need, and that time is now. It is incumbent upon the Crown, the other partner, to act with honour and to come to the support of Nations.”
The government of Canada has failed to take responsible steps to provide healthcare services to Indigenous people in the past. First Nations have chronically experienced barriers to accessing health care due to shortages in healthcare facilities, equipment, supplies, and staff—which COVID-19 has only worsened. Only time will tell if the government holds true to their promises made in the treaty.
As a settler myself, however, I can use my privilege to help advocate with Indigenous people in an effort to hold the government accountable.
Written by Next Gen Men Marketing Coordinator Sarah Andrews as part of Treaties Recognition Week, an annual event that offers an opportunity to learn more about our collective Treaty rights and obligations. We are all Treaty people.