The History of Treaty-Making in Canada

Foundations of a Nation

Treaties between the Crown and Indigenous peoples form the constitutional and moral foundation of Canada. Understanding this treaty history is essential for all Canadians — Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike — as we work toward a more just and equitable future.

The Peace and Friendship Treaties (1725–1779)

The earliest treaties in what is now Canada were the Peace and Friendship Treaties, signed between the British Crown and Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), and Passamaquoddy peoples in Atlantic Canada. Notably, these treaties did not include the surrender of land — they established agreements of mutual peace and trade.

The Numbered Treaties (1871–1921)

Following Confederation, Canada negotiated eleven Numbered Treaties covering much of Western and Northern Canada. These treaties were fundamentally different from earlier agreements:

• Treaty 1 & 2 (1871) — Manitoba
• Treaty 3 (1873) — Northwestern Ontario
• Treaty 6 (1876) — Central Alberta and Saskatchewan
• Treaty 7 (1877) — Southern Alberta
• Treaty 8 (1899) — Northern Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, NWT
• Treaty 11 (1921) — Mackenzie River Valley

Modern Treaties

Since 1975, Canada has negotiated over 25 modern treaties (comprehensive land claims agreements), beginning with the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. These agreements address land ownership, resource management, and self-governance in areas not covered by historical treaties.

"We are all treaty people. Understanding our treaty obligations is the responsibility of every Canadian."

— Senator Murray Sinclair