An Annotated Guide to the (Mal)Interpretation of Confederation Era Treaties in Canada

The national conversation on confederation-era treaties, and their neglect by Canada, is long overdue. In fact, this moment in our shared history might demonstrate better than any time in our recent past why treaties are so critically needed.

This annotation of a Numbered Treaty reveals the difference in expectations between settlers and First Nations, and the violences that have accompanied the enforcement of a very narrow interpretation of treaties. This narrow interpretation excludes First Nation perspectives but endures into contemporary policy and law.