It is impossible to distill the colonial history of our country in a guide. However, we offer the below brief recount of that history as well as steps for moving forward hand-in-hand with Indigenous Peoples as a starting point for learning only. Please also note that The Land Between does not seek to represent nor speak for Indigenous Peoples. The below is a simple recount of historical events as well as an offering of our experience in working alongside Indigenous Peoples in The Land Between.
The Original Treaties
It is only by the kindness of Indigenous Peoples that Canada was open to settlement. That kindness was embodied in the First Treaties, The Royal Proclamation and the Great Wampum. In order to make the treaties of central and eastern Canada, hundreds of Indigenous Elders and Leaders congregated at Niagara Falls to pray and discuss over many years. The Treaties talked of sharing the land as deep as the plow, but notably the water was never ceded. The treaties talked of self-governance and leadership, where each Nation (the red and white) would not interfere with each other. Meanwhile it was offered and actualized, then and now, that Indigenous peoples would help and teach the settlers about this Land and how to live well within it.
This generosity of spirit is the backbone of this country.
Treaties Post-Resource Discovery and the Indian Act
However, the Treaties were soon breached when early colonizers found gold and other coveted resources. The colonizers soon enacted the Indian Act of Canada, which is still very much at play today. This legislation controls all aspects of Indigenous livelihoods and identity and it was the informing legislation for apartheid in South Africa.
The abuses continued through the illegal Pass System, which restricted Indigenous Peoples’ movements. They literally could not leave the Reserve without a pass from an Indian Agent, a government official. This along with bogus treaties such as the Williams Treaty that covers most of The Land Between bioregion, took away hunting and fishing rights, which meant that many suffered and many starved, despite the fact that these rights, known as Treaty Rights were embedded in many of the Treaties that were signed.
Residential Schools
In addition to the Indian Act, the Pass System, and enactment of Treaties aimed to deceive and repress, the next crime involved the Residential School system, where children were forcibly taken (in many cases) from their homes and placed in day as well as boarding style schools. Behind the facade of offering these children exposure to the apparently superior western educational system was the true goal: assimilating them completely into western culture. Many were abused physically, emotionally, and sexually during their time at Residential Schools. The 60s Scoop that followed, where children were forcibly taken from their parents and by child services was simply an extension of these schools.
Where We Stand Today
Regardless of these events there remains the Duty to Consult Indigenous Nations for any actions that may affect their Original Rights and Title. This Duty has been ratified by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Despite these atrocities, the Indigenous spirit of kindness is prevalent today and we have the amazing opportunity to enrich our lives and learn about Indigenous ways of knowing and perspectives. To start on the path to walking hand-in-hand with Indigenous Peoples, truth must precede it and we must first begin by learning about our shared history and the history of colonization in this country.
The next step is to do the work by starting with relationships: reaching out and getting to know the Indigenous community in your Treaty area, visiting a First Nation reserve, asking how to help, and not presuming to know
the answers before you have listened to and truly understood your treaty neighbours.
More Information and guides
A HISTORY OF SHARING
More on the Indigenous way of being of sharing, how it shaped our history, and how it is still at play today.
ENGAGEMENT
A high level overview of engaging with Indigenous Peoples in a respectful and productive way.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Pathways to effective engagement through cultural and traditional teaching opportunities.
CONSULTATION
A guide to consultation when an activity may infringe upon Indigenous Peoples’ treaty rights or title.
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