Treaties and Land Claims

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BC Social Studies Lesson Plans

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Grade 11

Topic

Treaties and Land Claims

Big Idea

Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism (from Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12).

Essential Question

How has the Canadian government’s relationship with First Peoples regarding treaties changed or stayed the same?

Learning Standards Content

Students are expected to know the following:

colonialism and contemporary issues for indigenous people in Canada and around the world (adapted from Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12)

Curricular Competencies

Students are expected to be able to do the following:

Compare and contrast continuities and changes for different groups at particular times and places (continuity and change)

Core Competencies

Communication

I can describe how Canadian treaties are complex agreements between Indigenous people and the Canadian Government.

Thinking

I can critically analyze whether the terms in a treaty were beneficial to both parties.

Personal and Social

I can apply my learning to work towards reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous population.

First People's Principles of Learning

Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.

Introduction

Show the Government of Canada video Resolving Specific Land Claims for Everyone’s Benefit (6:40).
Discuss: Where do land claims come from? How are they resolved? Who benefits when land claims are settled?
Have students read the Canadian Encyclopedia article Indigenous Land Claims in Canada.
As a class, create a Venn Diagram to show the similarities and differences between a Specific Land Claim and a Comprehensive Land Claim (modern treaty).

Pre-Assessment

Find out what students already know about treaties by having them complete the “Treaty Awareness Quiz”. You could have them work individually, in pairs, or in small groups.

Interactive Learning Activities

Part 1: Historic Treaties

Explain that between 1871 and 1921, the Canadian government made 11 treaties with First Nations to bring Indigenous peoples and their lands under federal jurisdiction.
Have students work in pairs or triads to research one of the Numbered Treaties.
Provide students with a copy of the handout “5 W’s Historic Treaties” as well as access to the Canadian Encyclopedia article Numbered Treaties.
Groups can share their findings with the class, specifically focussing on the “why” behind the treaty.
Engage students in a discussion of whether the terms of the treaties were beneficial for both parties.

Part 2: Modern Treaties and Land Claims

Point out that 100 years passed between British Columbia’s last historic treaty (Treaty 8) and its first modern treaty (Nisga’a Agreement).
Have students work in small groups to investigate a modern treaty / land claim. They may want to select one from British Columbia:

- Nisga’a
- Tsawwassen
- Maa-nulth
- Tsilhqot’in

Provide students with a copy of the handout “5 W’s Modern Treaties and Land Claims” as well as access to the Canadian Encyclopedia article Comprehensive Land Claims: Modern Treaties. Students may need to access further sources to complete the 5W chart.
Groups can share their findings with the class, specifically focussing on the “why” behind the treaty.
Engage students in a discussion about the similarities and differences in the motivations for each treaty.

Post Assessment

Compare the government’s motivation for signing historic treaties with their motivation to sign modern treaties. How has the Canadian government’s relationship with First Peoples regarding treaties changed or stayed the same?

Extension Activities

Ask if students have heard of the Land Back movement.
- What do they know?
- What do they wonder?

Show the video Canada, it’s time for Land Back (6:17). Ask:
- How is the goal of Land Back different from a specific or comprehensive land claim?
- How is the Land Back movement connected to the environmentalist movement?

Have students research the Land Back movement in Canada. The following websites are a helpful place to start:
- David Suzuki Foundation What is Land Back?
- Yellowhead Institute Land Back
- 4Rs Youth Movement LAND BACK! What do we mean?

Additional References

Albers, Gretchen. 2017. “Treaties with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/aboriginal-treaties

B.C. Treaty Commission. 2023. “Why Treaties?” https://www.bctreaty.ca/why-treaties

Canada. 2023. “Treaties and Agreements.” https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028574/1529354437231#chp2

Canada. 2013. “Summaries of Pre-1975 Treaties.” https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1370362690208/1544619449449

Equay, W. B. M. (Cynthia Bird). 2018. “The Numbered Treaties.” https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/settlement-immigration/the-numbered-treaties

Hanson, Erin. 2009. “Aboriginal Title.” First Nations & indigenous Studies. University of British Columbia. https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/aboriginal_title/

Irwin, R. (2018). “Aboriginal Title.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/aboriginal-title

Download Complete Lesson Plan

.pdf .docx

Materials and Resources

Treaty Awareness Quiz

Handout

Treaty Awareness Quiz Answer Key

Answer key

5Ws Historic Treaties

Handout

5Ws Modern Treaties Land Claims

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Last Reviewed

March 01, 2023

Produced by JES

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