Treaty 7

Discusses the duty of consultation, its' sources and upon whom the duty is imposed.

Historical background and submissions to Indian Claims Commission (ICC) regarding settlement of unlawful taking by Canada of 440 acres of mineral-rich land without consent or compensation. The parties settled, the agreement was ratified; Canada paid out compensation. [This file has been saved and made available online with permission from the Indian Claims Commission website before it closed down in March 2009.]

Discusses the Methodist minister, his close relationship with the Stoney Nakoda and their participation in Banff Indian Days, and describes the Duke's adoption ceremony.

File contains a presentation by Addison Crow, Blood Indian Reserve. Crow discusses self-governance, and a written presentation that has been submitted to the Commissioners dealing with 31 issues based on ten years of research ranging from health care, social services, "the Indian Act, et cetera, et cetera." Crow mentions that he feels like a "cat within a dog pen because my relatives here did not sign the treaties and we did in Alberta." Crow formally requests the Commission visit the Blood reserve in Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Keith Chief Moon, Mohk-E-Saun Committee, Blood Indian Reserve #148. Moon discusses his people's history, and some of their problems with regard to living conditions.

File contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon. Chiefmoon discusses racism "as it pertains here today" with a focus on off-reserve life. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the city of Lethbridge in the employment, post-secondary, and provincial government services. Chiefmoon also discusses what he deems discriminatory law enforcement practices, and Aboriginal over-representation in prisons. Chiefmoon also makes recommendations about languages, land claims, political representation in the federal parliament, and the need for an "off-reserve Indian government."

File contains a presentation by Linda Ross, a Sarcee woman. Ross recounts the history of her people's signing of Treaty No. 7 in what is today southern Alberta. She then goes on to describe the history of her people since the Treaty's implementation, and the need to address Treaty rights and poverty before Aboriginal self-governance becomes possible. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mrs. Ross and Commissioners Dussault and Sillet on the topics of the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Regena Crowchild, President of the Indian Association of Alberta. Crowchild discusses Aboriginal lands in Canada, and argues that the Canadian government uses a racist approach to land claims questions based on the outdated notion of terra nulius. To ameliorate this, Crowchild suggests the Canadian government must recognize "Indigenous ownership to lands and resources." Crowchild then discusses Treaties and the need to discuss the benefits that non-Aboriginal people enjoy from the Treaty relationship.

The file contains a presentation by Tony Hall, Professor of Native American Studies Education, University of Lethbridge. Hall discusses his interpretation of the Commission's role and powers, Treaty right issues (particularly as they pertain to Treaty 7), International law, Federal-Provincial-Aboriginal governmental relations, the Oldman River dispute between the Peigan and the Canadian and Alberta governments, and a host of related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Hall.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Blood Tribe Tribal Government External Affairs Committee by Les Healy. Healy outlines the history of the Blood (Kainai) people in their traditional territories, the concepts informing their understanding of the Treaty 7 relationship, their rejection of the Charlottetown Accord Canadian Constitutional proposal, and makes a series of recommendations to the Commission to enhance the Treaty relationship. Following the presentation is a comment by Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Peigan Indian Band by Chief Leonard Bastien, Rod North Peigan, and Edwin Yellow Horn. Chief Basiten discusses some of the issues which face the Piegan people including water rights (including with reference to the Oldman River dispute), and reserve land expropriation. Chief Bastien also relates some of the history of his people, their creation story, the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877, the implications and aftermath of the Treaty process, and grievances against the government.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Red Crow Community College by Marie Marule. Marule discusses post-secondary issues with respect to Treaty rights, First Nations relations with the provincial and federal governments, and self-governance. Marule discusses these issues in both a general and specific sense with relation to her own institution in Southern Alberta. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Marule.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Sik-ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society by Mike Bruised Head and Stan Knowlton. The presentation deals with general economic development issues.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Treaty 7 Tribal Council by Gregg Smith, Dorothy First Rider, and Chief Roy Whitney. Smith discusses the organizations activities representing Treaty 7 First Nations, and its relations with the federal government. Smith also gives a video presentation (not included in the transcript). Smith makes a variety of recommendations to the Committee with respect to self-governance, Treaty rights and responsibilities.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Tsuu T'ina Nation by Bradford Littlelight and Regina Crowchild. The presenters discuss two issues: taxation and the proposed First Nations Chartered Land Act. Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

Discussion of various topics: traditional life and the changes brought about by the treaties; Crowfoot and the taking of Treaty 7; alcohol, and the problems it has brought; the surrender of reserve land.

Archaeology Thesis (M. A.)--Simon Fraser University, 1993.

Cites many letters between government officials, NWMP officers and Canadian Army officers regarding passes and concludes these passes certainly existed. Passes came into existence after the 1885 resistance. Evidence of their use was only found in Treaty 4, 6 and 7 territories, and it cannot be certain they were used in every agency. Author states evidence indicates passes were used as late as the 1930s, but no sources are given.

This material summarizes what the elders of the Treaty 7 area have said in interviews about what transpired during the negotiation of Treaty 7 and what promises were made to the Indians at that time. The subjects dealt with include mineral and other resource rights, hunting, fishing, andtrapping rights, land and land surrenders, education and medicare and economic development.

Author uses various anthropological and historical sources to throw some light on the way in which the Indians of the Treaty 6 and 7 regions might have interpreted the treaty promises.

Discusses facts that have come to light in his interviews regarding Indian religion, land ownership, and attitudes to natives.

History Thesis (M.A.)--University of Saskatchewan, 2017.

Focuses on the creation and management of the schools prior to the merging of industrial and boarding schools to form residential schools.

Detailed description of the happenings at Blackfoot Crossing when Treaty #7 was negotiated.

Several topics are discussed: describes the acceptance by the Peigans of Treaty #7, and its effects on their way of life; compares U.S. and Canadian treaties and criticizes Canadian education of Indians; briefly describes some aspects of traditional ceremonies; and tells story of two spirits gambling for control of lands adjacent to Rockies.

Tom Yellowhorn, who is the son of Chief Yellowhorn -- Chief RedCrow was his uncle, describes cattle-raising on the Peigan Reserve.

Relates three disasters in Saskatchewan that led to the signing of numbered treaties starting with Treaty 4 in 1874.

Includes the Crown's text of the Selkirk, Robinson-Superior, Robinson-Huron, and numbered Treaties 1 to 7 as well as many of the early supplementary adhesions to Treaty.

Brief history surrounding the signing of Treaty 7. Also look at "Read the Treaty", "See the Treaty", and "Treaty Maps" as displayed in the left column bar of the website. "See the Treaty" is an image of the original Treaty seven document held at Glenbow Archives.

Brief history of Jacob Bearspaw, Chief of the Southern Nakoda (Stoney) Nation at the time when Treaty 7 was signed.

Brief history of Chula, or Bull Head, who was the Chief of the Tsuu T’ina (Sarcee) First Nation when Treaty 7 was signed. Bull Head is remembered as an outstanding leader and pivotal player in Tsuu T’ina history.

History of a treaty commissioner, formerly a lawyer and North West Mounted Police officer, who was known by the First Nations for his fair dealings and honesty.

Explains how, Issapo’ mahkikaaw, or Crowfoot, became a key leader of the Blackfoot Confederacy and how he articulated the position of the Blackfoot Peoples to the Treaty Commissioners.

Brief history of David Laird who was a treaty commissioner, alongside Colonel James Macleod, for Treaty 7 negotiations in 1877.

Discusses the important role Father Constantine Scollen played prior to the signing of Treaty 7, and his efforts in encouraging First Nations leaders to petition for a treaty with the British Crown.

Brief history of James Bird who was enlisted by the Treaty 7 Commission to interpret negotiations held at Blackfoot Crossing. He was hired to replace Jerry Potts.

Depicts the strange life of Jean-Baptiste L’Heureux who acted as an interpreter and also oversaw the actual signing of Treaty 7.

Brief history of one of the interpreters for the Treaty 7 Commission negotiations that were held in 1877.

Explains how McDougall was commissioned by Canada to encourage the Indigenous peoples of the plains and southern Alberta to enter into treaty with the British Crown. "Featured Article" links to an address excerpt given by McDougall on the effects of the European presence on First Nations peoples.

Brief article on Zoatze-Tapitapiw, or Sitting on Eagle Tail Feathers, who was Chief of the Piikani when Treaty 7 was signed. Zoatze-Tapitapiw was an advocate for the retention of Piikani traditional territory.

"This article focuses on the trapping rights promised under Treaty 8 and their evolution over time in northern Alberta. It summarizes some of the findings of an in-depth study published by the Canadian Institute of Resources Law".

Provides historical background to Treaty 7, and discusses the perspectives of both sides.

Examines whether the rejected claim was properly resolved. (French language version) Commissioners include: Daniel J. Bellegarde and Alan C. Holman. [These files were created and compiled by the ICC and provided to the Indigenous Studies Portal in 2009 to make widely available in online format.]

Book review of: The True Spirit and Intent of Treaty 7 by Treaty 7 Elders and Tribal Council with Walter Hildebrandt, Sarah Carter and Dorothy First Rider.

Discusses Treaty 7: events leading up to it; promises made and broken.

Comments on the development of water management plans as called for by Alberta's Water Act

Talks about a multimedia event in Calgary's Heritage Park Historical Village to increase the public understanding of the treaty signed at Blackfoot Crossing in 1877.

Explains the purpose of "Idle No More" and the Omnibus bill and other bills that are removing First Nations rights. Duration: 20:14.

Includes an account of the signing of Treaty #7; allocation of lands;leasing land to Mormons; trust fund.