As Long As the Sun Shines - Treaties in Saskatchewan (10 min).mp4

Summary

This video highlights the significance of the treaties in Saskatchewan, emphasizing their ongoing impact and the promises made between First Nations and the Canadian government. Through oral traditions and historical accounts, the script reveals the shared vision of peace and harmony intended by the treaties. It underscores the challenges faced by First Nations as they adapted to new ways of life, seeking to preserve their culture while engaging in treaty negotiations. The video stresses the importance of remembering the true intent behind these agreements and recognizing the shared legacy of all treaty Canadians.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Treaties of Saskatchewan play a crucial role in the province, shaping relationships between First Nations and the government.
• 😀 First Nations values, traditions, and history are preserved and passed on through strict oral traditions, ensuring accuracy over generations.
• 😀 Treaty negotiations with the Canadian government were initiated due to the disappearing buffalo and the influx of settlers in the region.
• 😀 The First Nations' understanding of the treaties was about sharing land harmoniously, not ownership.
• 😀 The leaders of First Nations conducted a pipe ceremony before entering treaty talks to ensure trust and responsibility among all parties.
• 😀 The government, represented by figures like Governor Alexander Morris, promised that the treaties would be honored 'as long as the sun shines and the river flows'.
• 😀 The treaties, signed between 1874 and 1906, aimed to create a peaceful coexistence between First Nations and settlers, laying the foundation for future generations.
• 😀 While the Canadian government viewed treaties as land transactions, First Nations saw them as agreements for mutual respect and shared land use.
• 😀 The treaties were seen as a way to help First Nations adapt to new ways of life, particularly as their traditional livelihood was disrupted.
• 😀 Many First Nations leaders believed that the treaties were a partnership that would benefit both parties and were made with future generations in mind.
• 😀 The legacy of the treaties continues today, with the understanding that they should be honored and respected by all, making us all 'Treaty Canadians.'

Q & A

What role have the treaties of Saskatchewan played in the province?

The treaties of Saskatchewan have played an important role in the province's development and continue to influence its social and political landscape. They serve as foundational agreements between First Nations and the government of Canada.

How have First Nations passed down their values, traditions, and beliefs?

First Nations pass down their values, customs, beliefs, and history primarily through oral tradition, which follows strict laws of respect, ensuring the information is shared in its original form without alteration.

What were the primary concerns of First Nations leaders during the treaty negotiations?

First Nations leaders were concerned about the disappearance of the buffalo, which threatened their traditional livelihood, and the growing presence of settlers in their territories.

Why did First Nations agree to enter treaty negotiations with the Canadian government?

First Nations leaders realized they needed to adapt to the newcomers' way of life and saw the treaties as a way to ensure their survival and preserve their culture while negotiating land rights with the British Crown.

What was the significance of the pipe ceremony in the treaty process?

The pipe ceremony played a critical role in ensuring trust and obligation among the parties involved. It symbolized the commitment to fulfill agreements and conduct oneself respectfully and in a trustworthy manner.

How did the written documents used in the treaties differ from the oral traditions of First Nations?

The written documents, stamped with a seal by government representatives, represented a European tradition of formalizing agreements. In contrast, the oral traditions emphasized the mutual respect and long-term commitments inherent in the treaties.

What were the key promises made in the treaties according to First Nations understanding?

First Nations understood the treaties as agreements to share land harmoniously rather than sell it. They emphasized rights to hunting, fishing, trapping, education, healthcare, and farming assistance, viewing the land as shared rather than owned.

How did the treaties impact the settlement and agricultural development in Saskatchewan?

The treaties facilitated the settlement of the Great Plains and enabled grain farming, which benefited non-Indigenous settlers, and helped establish the agricultural economy in Saskatchewan.

How did the understanding of the treaty change for the speaker in the transcript over time?

The speaker, initially ashamed of their First Nations identity, came to understand the importance of the treaties and the vision their ancestors had for future generations, recognizing them as smart and forward-thinking leaders.

What is the significance of the phrase 'We are all treaty Canadians'?

The phrase 'We are all treaty Canadians' emphasizes that the treaties are a shared legacy for all people in Canada, highlighting the ongoing importance of honoring these agreements for the benefit of future generations.