4 : Collective Rights Flashcards
What does it mean to affirm?
To validate and express commitment to something
Define collective identity.
The shared identity of a group of people, especially because of a common language and culture
What are collective rights?
Rights guaranteed to specific groups in Canadian society for historical and constitutional reasons, including:
* Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit)
* Francophones
* Anglophones
What is unique about Canada compared to the United States?
The presence of collective rights
What is the purpose of collective rights in Canada?
To affirm the collective identity of groups in society and to create a society where people of different identities belong
How are collective rights related to the government and citizens in Canada?
They are part of the dynamic relationship between Canada’s government and Canadian citizens
What has been the effect of laws on collective rights in Canada?
They have created opportunities and challenges for Canadians
What should be evaluated regarding collective rights in Canada?
How effectively laws have affirmed collective rights over time
What implications does the history of collective rights have for Canadian citizens today?
It affects their rights and identity in society
What are collective rights?
Rights held by groups (peoples) in Canadian society that are recognized and protected by Canada’s constitution.
How do collective rights differ from individual rights?
Collective rights are rights Canadians hold because they belong to one of several groups in society, while individual rights are held by every Canadian citizen and permanent resident.
Who holds collective rights in Canada?
Aboriginal peoples, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and Francophones and Anglophones.
Why do some peoples have collective rights and not others?
Collective rights recognize the founding peoples of Canada and their contributions to the country’s existence.
Collective rights come from the roots of _______ in the land and history of Canada.
[Aboriginal peoples, Francophones and Anglophones]
What laws recognize the collective rights of First Nations peoples?
Legislation that affects the collective rights of First Nations peoples
What are the goals of the Numbered Treaties?
Facts and data about the goals of the Numbered Treaties
How have the Numbered Treaties been interpreted over time?
Perspectives on interpretations by First Nations groups and Canada’s government
What are modern Treaties?
Examples of modern Treaties that establish collective rights for Aboriginal peoples, including Inuit and Métis peoples
What is the Indian Act?
A description of the goals of the Indian Act
What issues are related to the Indian Act today?
A news article about issues related to changing the Indian Act today
What is meant by ‘First Nations’?
The umbrella name for the diverse Aboriginal peoples who have collective rights recognized in Canada’s constitution
What term does the constitution use to refer to First Nations?
‘Indians’ as used during the time of negotiating Treaties
Why do many First Nations prefer not to use the word ‘Indian’?
Because they have diverse identities and names for themselves
What is sovereignty?
Independence as a people, with a right to self-government
What are the Numbered Treaties?
Historic agreements that affect the rights and identity of some First Nations in Canada
What historical document do the Numbered Treaties have roots in?
The Royal Proclamation of 1763
Why was the Royal Proclamation of 1763 made?
To establish control over lands in North America formerly claimed by France
What principle did the Royal Proclamation of 1763 recognize?
First Nations’ rights to land and the principle of making treaties through peaceful negotiation
What other laws affect the collective rights of First Nations?
The Indian Act and section 35 of the Constitution
When was Treaty 7 signed?
1877
When was Treaty 11 signed?
1921
When was Treaty 8 signed?
1836
When was Treaty 4 signed?
1871
When was Treaty 5 signed?
1875
When was Treaty 1 signed?
1871
What does the map show in relation to the Numbered Treaties?
Modern provincial and territorial boundaries that did not exist when First Nations and Canada negotiated the Numbered Treaties
Identify three facts related to the location and dates of the Numbered Treaties.
- Treaty 1 was signed in 1871
- Treaty 7 was signed in 1877
- Treaty 11 was signed in 1921
What type of further research might a question posed by the map require?
Research on the impact of modern boundaries on First Nations’ rights
What are the collective rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples considered to be?
A work in progress
Negotiations between Aboriginal peoples and Canada’s government continue today.
What are the Numbered Treaties?
Agreements between the Queen and First Nations
They involve sharing lands and resources peacefully.
What did First Nations agree to in the Numbered Treaties?
Share their lands and resources in peace
This was part of the agreements made with Canada’s government.
What did Canada’s government agree to in the Numbered Treaties?
Terms covering education, reserves, annuities, and other matters
The specific terms differ from Treaty to Treaty.
How are the Numbered Treaties viewed by First Nations?
As sacred nation-to-nation agreements
These agreements cannot be changed without their consent.
What is the relationship between Treaty rights and citizenship for First Nations?
They go together for First Nations now, in the past and into the future.
What is an annuity?
An annual payment
Under the Numbered Treaties, annuities are mostly symbolic today.
What is the annual amount received by members of Treaty 8 as an annuity?
$5.00 per year
What is a reserve in the context of the Numbered Treaties?
Land for the exclusive use of First Nations
What does the chart summarize?
The terms in the written versions of the major Numbered Treaties in Alberta
True or False: The terms of the Numbered Treaties are the same for all Treaties.
False
The terms differ from Treaty to Treaty.
Fill in the blank: Annuities are mostly _______ today.
symbolic
What are some key topics covered in the terms of Treaties 6, 7, and 8?
- Health Care
- Education
- Hunting and Farming
- Fishing Rights
- Reserves
- Assistance Payments
- Annuities and Special Benefits
What section of the constitution affirms the collective rights of First Nations peoples?
Section 35
This section recognizes and affirms the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Do all First Nations peoples sign Treaties?
No
Not all First Nations peoples signed Treaties, which impacts their rights and agreements.
How do Elders view the Treaty?
As something sacred
Elders believe the Treaty is a sacred agreement between First Nations and the Canadian government.
What did the Treaty represent for First Nations in relation to European settlers?
A way to live in harmony
The Treaty was seen as a means to coexist peacefully and share land and resources.
Who is Elder Paul Eugene Beauregard?
An Elder from Bigstone Cree Nation
He shared insights about the importance of Treaty 8.
What does Elder Bruce Starlite emphasize about the Treaty?
The Treaty is forever
He highlights the enduring nature of the Treaty, lasting as long as natural elements like grass and water exist.
What was the purpose of negotiating the Numbered Treaties?
For many reasons
The specific reasons vary but generally include coexistence, resource sharing, and governance.
Fill in the blank: The Treaty is fundamental to our _______.
people
This underscores the significance of the Treaty in the identity and rights of First Nations.
What does the phrase ‘for as long as the grass grows, the water flows and the wind blows’ signify?
The permanence of the Treaty
This expression illustrates the enduring commitment to the Treaty by First Nations.
True or False: The Treaty is only relevant to First Nations peoples.
False
The Treaty pertains to all people of Canada, as they are considered Treaty people.
What is a key aspect of First Nations governance before European arrival?
They had their own government and laws
This highlights the self-sufficiency and established systems of First Nations prior to colonization.
What was the purpose of building a railway linking British Columbia to the rest of Canada?
To open the west to immigration and connect B.C. with the rest of Canada
B.C. joined Confederation on the condition that the railway would be built.
What did the Royal Proclamation of 1763 recognize?
The rights of First Nations to their lands in parts of North America claimed by the British
It was issued after Britain defeated France in the Seven Years War.
Why was the Royal Proclamation issued by Britain?
To assert dominance in North America after defeating France
It aimed to avoid conflict with First Nations and ensure peace.
What was the context of the conflicts involving Aboriginal peoples and the United States?
They were fighting wars over territory
This was a concern for First Nations in Canada, who wanted to avoid similar conflicts.
What challenges were First Nations facing during the time of the Royal Proclamation?
Economic and social upheaval from smallpox epidemics, eradication of buffalo, end of fur trade, and pressures of European settlement
These factors threatened their traditional way of life.
What does the photo of buffalo bones collected in the Canadian prairies represent?
The impact of European settlement on First Nations and their resources
It highlights the decline of buffalo populations crucial to First Nations’ livelihoods.
Fill in the blank: The Numbered Treaties acknowledged the _______ of First Nations.
past
They recognized previous land rights and agreements.
In what way did the Numbered Treaties respond to events of their time?
By addressing the challenges faced by First Nations due to European settlement and resource depletion
They aimed to establish new relationships and agreements.
What role do perspectives play in the interpretation of the Treaties?
Perspectives influence how the Treaties are understood, with Canada’s government believing First Nations gave up their land, while many First Nations disagree, viewing land as a legacy rather than a commodity.
This difference in perspective highlights the cultural significance of land to First Nations.
How do First Nations view their relationship with the land?
To First Nations, the land is a legacy, integral to their culture, and is likened to water and air, being one and indivisible.
This perspective contrasts with the Western view of land as a commodity.
How did First Nations and Canada’s government record the Treaties?
First Nations recorded the Treaties in their oral histories and languages, while Canada’s government documented them in writing in English.
This difference can lead to disagreements on key aspects of the Treaties.
What is the significance of the talking sticks in the context of Treaty 6?
Each talking stick corresponds to a provision in the written Treaty, with the first stick describing Treaty 6 as an agreement between First Nations and the Queen of Britain.
The first stick is considered the most important as it reflects the First Nations’ perspective.
What is a critical thinking challenge regarding perspectives and the past?
How does the way you understand the past affect the way you understand groups in society today, and how do perspectives affect understandings of the past?
This question encourages reflection on the influence of historical context on contemporary views.
Why might the English record of Treaty 6 differ from records in other languages?
The treaty negotiations took place in several languages and relied on interpreters, which could lead to differences in interpretation and meaning.
The nuances of language can affect the understanding of legal and cultural agreements.
What did the chiefs of Treaties 6, 7, and 8 do to mark the Aboriginal Day of Action in 2007?
They took out full-page advertisements in Alberta newspapers.
What was stated about the Treaties in the advertisements by the chiefs?
Treaties were nation-to-nation agreements and First Nations negotiated them to share the land.
What diversity aspect was highlighted by the chiefs regarding First Nations?
First Nations were, and are, diverse peoples.
What did the chiefs call on Canadians to do regarding the Treaties?
To lobby the federal government to recognize the true spirit and intent of the Treaties.
What is a modern agreement established between Aboriginal peoples and governments in Canada?
Modern Treaties establish collective rights.
What did the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (1993) establish?
Inuit title to more than 350,000 square kilometres in Nunavut.
What rights were established by the Sahtu Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (1994)?
Rights to 41,437 square kilometres in the Northwest Territories and to negotiate self-governance.
What did the Nisga’a Final Agreement (2000) establish?
Rights of the Nisga’a Nation to more than 1,900 square kilometres in British Columbia and self-governance.
What was the date of the Aboriginal Day of Action marked by First Nations in 2007?
June 29, 2007.
What significant event occurred on Parliament Hill on the Aboriginal Day of Action?
Marches by First Nations.
How did Prime Minister Paul Martin describe the relationship with First Nations in 2005?
Based on mutual respect, responsibility, and accountability.
Fill in the blank: The foundation for the relationship with First Nations is the recognition of _______.
[Treaty and Aboriginal rights]
What commitment did Prime Minister Paul Martin reaffirm in his address in 2005?
To renew the approach to implementing self-government and treaties.
True or False: The advertisements by the chiefs emphasized the importance of recognizing the spirit of the Treaties.
True
What could be a way to find out the position of Canada’s current government on Treaty rights?
Researching government statements or official documents.
What year did the Treaty 6 negotiations occur?
1876
What is the main perspective of First Nations regarding the Numbered Treaties?
Nation-to-nation agreements that establish rights
What is the Canadian government’s view on the permanence of treaties?
Yes
According to the Canadian government, should First Nations learn European ways?
Yes
What does the Canadian government affirm regarding First Nations’ traditional ways?
Affirms First Nations can keep traditional ways
Who participated in a demonstration in front of Canada’s parliament buildings in 2002?
Chief Moris Scennacappo of Rolling River First Nation
What was the focus of the 2002 demonstration by Chief Moris Scennacappo?
Changes to legislation that affected the rights of First Nations
Fill in the blank: First Nations viewed the Treaties as _______.
[nation-to-nation agreements]
True or False: The Canadian government has had consistent views of Treaty rights over time.
False
What treaties are primarily covered by the First Nations perspectives mentioned?
Treaties 6, 7, and 8
What year was Treaty 6 negotiated?
1876
Who was the Cree spokesman that spoke about Treaty 6?
Mistahwahsis
What does the Cree statement ‘What we speak of will last as long as the sun shines and the river runs’ signify?
A commitment to future generations
What metaphor is used to express the longevity of promises in Treaty 6?
As long as the sun shines and the rivers flow
Who represented Canada during the negotiations of Treaty 6?
Alexander Morris
What was one of the promises made by Alexander Morris during Treaty 6 negotiations?
To teach the Indians the cunning of the white man
What did Alexander Morris envision for the First Nations in relation to Treaty 6?
Indians gathering, gardens growing, and houses building
What type of medal did Canada’s government strike to commemorate the Numbered Treaties?
Medals depicting the handshake between the government and First Nations
What does the handshake on the medal symbolize?
The relationship between Canada’s government and First Nations peoples
In what year was the commemorative medal related to Treaty 6 dated?
1874
True or False: Many First Nations prefer to use the term ‘Indian’ to describe themselves.
False
Fill in the blank: The term ‘Indian’ is used in this context because _______.
Alexander Morris used it
What did the Queen’s Commissioners provide to First Nations according to Morris?
Money to purchase clothing for their children
What aspects of life did Morris mention First Nations would retain after Treaty 6?
Hunting and fishing as before
What year was the Indian Act passed?
1876
Who were the Indian Agents appointed by the Canadian government?
Officials to run reserves without consulting First Nations
What was the perspective of First Nations regarding decisions affecting their culture and identity?
They expect to remain in charge of these decisions
What does the Indian Act reflect about the government’s view of First Nations at the time?
They viewed First Nations as peoples needing guidance
What was the attitude connected to Canada’s colonial past regarding First Nations?
The belief that European ways were superior
What is one key aspect of governance that First Nations have historically maintained?
Their own processes of government and ways of organizing
According to the Indian Act, who is entitled to vote?
Male members of the band of full age of twenty-one years
How often are chiefs of any band of Indians elected according to the Indian Act?
Every three years, unless removed by the federal government
Fill in the blank: The Indian Act was passed by Canada’s parliament in _______.
1876
True or False: The Indian Act allowed First Nations to elect their own leaders without federal oversight.
False
What does the photo from 1910 depict?
A settlement of the Blackfoot Confederacy in southern Alberta
What significant issue does the Indian Act highlight regarding First Nations governance?
Lack of consultation with First Nations
According to the Indian Act, when shall chiefs be elected?
At such time and place as the federal government may direct
What was the role of Howard Sibbald mentioned in the text?
Indian Agent at the Nakoda reserve
What is the significance of Treaty rights in First Nations perspectives?
They are fundamental to their governance and identity
What does the excerpt from the Indian Act suggest about the electoral process for chiefs?
It is controlled by the federal government
What does the Siksika Nation represent in the context of Treaty 7?
The Siksika Nation is part of Treaty 7
Treaty 7 is an agreement between the Canadian government and several First Nations in Alberta, Canada.
What do the circles drawn on the children’s faces symbolize?
The circles represent the cycle of the sun from sunrise to sunset
This symbolizes the family’s cultural values and identity.
What are the two primary functions of laws and policies?
Laws describe principles or conditions; policies describe objectives of the government
Laws must be followed, while policies guide the implementation of those laws.
What was the law regarding education for First Nations as stated in the Numbered Treaties?
The federal government was responsible for providing education to First Nations
This responsibility was established through the Numbered Treaties.
What was the federal government’s policy for providing education to First Nations?
To provide education through residential schools
This policy aimed at both education and assimilation.
Who was commissioned to recommend education for First Nations in 1879?
MP Nicholas Davin
His report led to the establishment of residential schools.
What was the main recommendation of the Davin report in 1879?
To establish residential schools for First Nations children
These schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture.
What was the impact of residential schools on First Nations children?
They removed children from their families and disrupted their connections to languages, cultures, and identities
This led to significant trauma and loss of cultural heritage.
What phrase describes the government’s intent with residential schools?
‘Aggressive civilization’ by separating the children from their parents
This reflects a colonial mindset aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples.
When did the last residential school in Canada close?
1996
This marks the end of a long history of residential schools in Canada.
What recent action has Canada’s government taken regarding former residential school students?
Begun to compensate former students for the trauma they suffered
This compensation acknowledges the harms caused by the residential school system.
Fill in the blank: The aim of the people in the photograph contrasts with the aim of the government’s policy on _______.
residential schools
This highlights the differing perspectives on identity and education.
What do the photos of Thomas Moore before and after entering Regina Residential School illustrate?
The contrast between his identity before and the effects of the residential school experience
This visual representation underscores the impact of assimilation policies.
What term do First Nations sometimes use that has legal and constitutional significance?
Indian
This term is not one that First Nations chose for themselves.
What year was the Union of Saskatchewan Indians founded?
1946
What are the aims of the Indian Association of Alberta? List at least three.
- To maintain treaty rights
- To advance the social and economic welfare of Indian peoples
- To secure better educational facilities and opportunities
What was one of the government policies related to the Indian Act?
It sought to replace the traditional ways of First Nations with European ways, such as farming.
What did the Indian Act prohibit at points in its history?
Wearing traditional clothing
What is one objective of the Indian Association of Alberta regarding government cooperation?
To cooperate with federal, provincial and local governments for the benefit of Indians.
Who expressed that First Nations have felt that Canadian officials have not complied with treaties?
John Tootoosis, Poundmaker Cree Nation
What is a major problem regarding the economic adjustment of First Nations according to T.R.I. Maclnnes?
The need for Indians to lead the normal life of the ordinary Canadian citizen.
Fill in the blank: The aims of the Indian Association of Alberta include maintaining treaty rights, advancing social and economic welfare, and securing better _______.
educational facilities and opportunities
True or False: The term ‘Indian’ was chosen by First Nations themselves.
False
What is necessary to preserve culture according to the Indian Association of Alberta?
To preserve our status, rights, lands, and traditions
This highlights the importance of treaties as foundational elements of First Nations culture.
What are treaties considered as per the Indian Association of Alberta?
Historic, moral, and legal obligations
Treaties are seen as essential for the rights of First Nations.
What must the government declare regarding treaties?
That it accepts the treaties as binding
This indicates the expectation of government accountability to treaty agreements.
What statement was made by Canada in 1969 regarding discriminatory legislation?
Canada cannot be a just society and keep discriminatory legislation on its statute book
This reflects a governmental stance on the need for legislative reform.
What barriers does the 1969 statement refer to?
Barriers created by special legislation, such as treaties
This suggests that treaties are viewed as obstacles to equality.
Who delivered a perspective on Treaty rights to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in June 1970?
Harold Cardinal
Cardinal was an elected leader of the Indian Association of Alberta.
What term did Harold Cardinal use to describe the rights of First Nations people?
Citizens plus
This term reflects the idea of First Nations having both individual and collective rights.
What was the title of the paper on Treaty rights authored by Harold Cardinal?
Citizens Plus
This paper contributed to the discourse on the rights of First Nations in Canada.
Who was the Minister of Indian Affairs when the ‘Statement of the Government of Canada on Indian Policy’ was released?
Jean Chrétien
Chrétien’s role was significant in the context of Indigenous relations in Canada.
What was the reaction of First Nations to the 1969 statement?
Intense protest
This indicates strong opposition from First Nations to the government’s position on treaties.