Module 3 Flashcards
What symbol of prestige emerged in the 1500s related to the fur trade?
Beaver hats
Beaver hats became a fashion trend symbolizing status, leading to increased demand.
How long did the demand for beaver felt last?
Nearly 3 centuries
This long duration reflects the significant role of the fur trade in Canadian history.
What is Canada’s national animal that reflects the importance of the fur trade?
Beaver
The beaver is also depicted on the Canadian nickel.
What misconception exists about First Nations peoples’ involvement in the fur trade?
They lacked understanding of European trading practices
Many believe they were easily exploited, but they had their own trading systems.
Who was the first to establish a formal trade operation in North America?
The French
Samuel de Champlain established trade in the early 1600s.
What strategy did the French King employ to increase French population in the colonies?
Encouraging intermarriage with First Nations
This was particularly aimed at the Mik’maq in Acadia.
What was the main center of the fur trade for the next 250 years?
Quebec City and Montreal
These cities became pivotal due to their strategic locations.
What were courreurs de bois?
Illegal fur traders
They established relationships with First Nations and contributed to Métis communities.
What significant company was established in 1670?
Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)
Formed after English traders recognized the potential of fur-bearing regions.
What type of trade relations did the English establish compared to the French?
Fortified trading posts
English traders built military-style operations unlike the French approach.
In what year did New France fall to the English, impacting the fur trade?
1760
This led to the HBC gaining a monopoly in the fur trade.
What were the most valuable trade items for First Nations?
Iron pots, copper kettles, knives, hatchets, clothing, food staples
Items like guns became important but were not immediately transformative.
What was the First Nations’ response to inferior trading goods?
Refusal to trade
They demanded quality goods and were influential in maintaining trading standards.
What did the Hudson’s Bay Company do in response to First Nations’ demands for better products?
Improved their product quality
This was crucial to retain business against competitors like the NWC.
What group emerged as a significant middleman in the fur trade as it moved west?
Cree and Assiniboine
They played a dominant role in maintaining trade networks.
Fill in the blank: The fur trade era lasted considerably longer than the establishment of Canada, which became a country in _______.
[1867]
True or False: The English traders traveled to First Nations villages for trade.
False
Instead, First Nations traders traveled to the English forts.
What did First Nations people understand about European desires in trade?
The value of beaver skins
They recognized the economic benefits of trading furs.
What was the main reason for the brittleness of metal products shipped to Asian and African climates?
The metal products became brittle, causing flaws and cracks.
How did First Nations’ experience with European goods affect their trading decisions?
They became less likely to accept goods that could not withstand environmental stress.
What was the impact of competition on HBC’s product quality?
HBC was forced to improve their product or risk losing business to competitors like the French or NWC.
What economic relationship existed between First Nations and fur traders?
Both sides attempted to obtain as much as they could for as little as they could.
What happened to First Nations’ bargaining position after the 1821 merger of NWC and HBC?
First Nations traders were in a much less favorable bargaining position.
What does ‘inelastic consumer demand’ refer to in the context of First Nations trading practices?
First Nations traded fewer furs for the same quantity of goods when fur prices were high.
What was required for the cooperative relationship between European traders and Indigenous peoples?
The need for Indigenous labour and knowledge throughout the trade.
How did European traders adapt to First Nations cultural protocols?
They actively acquiesced to cultural protocols and expectations.
What were some values introduced by European traders that impacted Indigenous nations?
- Individualism * Materialism * Patriarchy
How did First Nations adapt culturally during the fur trade?
They adopted some European marriage practices and many converted to Christianity.
What was a significant negative impact of the fur trade on First Nations?
Several waves of depopulating epidemics.
What role did First Nations women play in the fur trade?
Many became traders’ wives, cementing economic alliances.
What long-term benefits did First Nations receive from the fur trade compared to European traders?
The long-term benefits were much less advantageous for First Nations.
What was the significance of the fur trade to the development of Canada?
It stimulated exploration and immigration, helping finance competitive industrial capitalism.
What geopolitical role did Indigenous peoples play during military conflicts in North America?
They entered struggles for their own geopolitical reasons, switching alliances to secure interests.
What was the Fox Wars, and how did Indigenous nations engage in it?
Indigenous nations allied with the French to control access to European goods and weapons.
What was the French-Indian War, and how did it impact Indigenous alliances?
A conflict where many First Nations groups supported the French due to trade alliances.
What was the outcome for the Iroquois after the American Revolution?
They were pushed out of their former settlement areas in U.S. territory.
How did the War of 1812 affect Indigenous peoples’ roles in military alliances?
They were crucial allies to Britain and received Military General Service Medals for their participation.
What was a major consequence for Indigenous peoples after the War of 1812?
They began to be seen as impediments to territorial expansion.
What is ‘ethnogenesis’ in the context of the Métis peoples?
The recognition by a group of people that they are a distinct nation or ethnic group.
What led to the emergence of the Métis as a unique group?
Intermarriages between First Nations and Europeans leading to distinct communities.
What strategic reasons did the Métis have for settling around the forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers?
- Easily accessible river transportation * Fertile land for farming * Access to Plains hunting territories
Who created the Red River colony, and when was it established?
Thomas Douglas, also known as Lord Selkirk, established it in 1812.
What is the significance of the Red River colony?
It was created in 1812 by Thomas Douglas (Lord Selkirk) as a settlement for displaced Scottish farmers and became predominantly a Métis settlement.
Who were the primary settlers in the Red River colony?
Métis and English Halfbreed peoples.
What were the two main economic activities of the French Métis and English Halfbreeds in Red River?
- Buffalo hunting and trading (French Métis)
- Farming (English Halfbreeds)
What event is known as the ‘Battle of Seven Oaks’?
A significant conflict in 1816 between the Métis and HBC, marking the emergence of the Métis as a ‘New Nation.’
What was the result of the Sayer Trial in 1849?
Pierre-Guillaume Sayer was found guilty but received no punishment, reinforcing Métis trading rights.
What was the role of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) in the region?
Acted as the de facto government, enforcing laws to maintain their trading monopoly.
True or False: The HBC was able to effectively police illegal trading in the region.
False
What were the three primary factors contributing to Métis Nationalism at Red River?
- Buffalo Hunt
- Settler Conflict
- Conflict with the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)
Fill in the blank: Treaties are agreements made between different _______.
[countries/nations]
What is the definition of treaties according to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner?
Formal agreements that created a relationship between the Crown and First Nations.
What does the Two-Row Wampum represent?
The relationship between the Haudenosaunee and the Dutch government, symbolizing mutual respect and coexistence.
What was the purpose of the Royal Proclamation of 1763?
- Delineate boundaries of new British Province of Quebec
- Create guidelines for acquisition of Indian lands
- Offer protection to Indian allies
- Alleviate potential uprisings due to settler expansion
True or False: The Royal Proclamation of 1763 acknowledged Indian rights to land.
True
What was the HBC’s governing council called?
The Council of Assiniobia.
What was the outcome of the Métis involvement in the buffalo hunt?
Promoted a sense of cohesiveness and community achievement among the Métis.
What was a major point of contention between the Governor and the Métis?
The Governor’s lack of diplomatic skills and failure to recognize the prior settlement of Métis in the area.
What did the Métis view the Sayer trial verdict as?
A major victory and reinforcement of their political and economic aspirations.
Why are treaties considered living agreements?
They continue to shape the relationship between First Nations and other Canadians.
What was the primary focus of the post-Confederation numbered treaties?
Creating a formal relationship between the Crown and First Nations.
What did the majority of Canadians think about Aboriginal self-government in 2003?
53% supported it, but 42% wanted to get rid of treaties.
What is one misconception about treaties among Canadians?
That treaties are outdated historical documents providing advantages to one group only.
What does the term ‘Métis Nationalism’ refer to?
The recognition and defense of the rights and identity of the Métis people.
In what year was the Red River colony officially created?
1812
What did the Royal Proclamation establish regarding land negotiations with First Nations?
Only the Crown and not individuals could negotiate with First Nations for land surrenders.
This was aimed at preventing unauthorized land deals and recognizing Indian rights to land.
What is the significance of the Royal Proclamation in relation to the Canadian Constitution?
It acknowledged Indian rights to land and was incorporated into the Canadian Constitution of 1982.
First Nations assert that any land not taken away by purchase or Treaty is still theirs.
What issues arose from the land-acquisition treaties negotiated after the Royal Proclamation?
Aggressive demands for land acquisition due to growing immigrant populations, leading to poorly interpreted treaties.
British officials often drew up imprecise treaties to secure quick agreements.
What was the outcome for Indigenous peoples after the War of 1812?
They began to be viewed as economic liabilities and barriers to territorial development.
British officials hoped for First Nations to integrate into colonial society.
What was the Ojibway Chief Shingwak’s lament regarding land claims?
He questioned the right of settlers to claim their land without treaties or conquest.
This reflects the longstanding Indigenous perspective on land rights.
What were the Robinson Treaties of 1850?
Treaties negotiated to ease tensions after Indigenous peoples took up arms against a mining company operating in their territory.
These treaties set precedents for later numbered treaties.
What are the three key components established by the Robinson Treaties?
- Setting aside reserve land in exchange for title to remaining lands
- Establishing annuities instead of lump sum payments
- Retaining hunting and fishing rights over ceded territory
What was the time frame for the signing of the Numbered Treaties?
The Numbered Treaties were signed between 1871 and 1921.
These treaties represent a significant period in Canadian-Indigenous relations.
What provisions were established for First Nations signatories in the Numbered Treaties?
- Establishment of reserves
- Annual payments (annuities)
- Prohibition of alcohol on reserves
- Establishment of schools
- Protection of hunting and fishing rights
- Aid for farmers
What is the significance of the slogan ‘we are all treaty people’?
It emphasizes that all Canadians benefit from treaties and highlights the ongoing relevance of treaty relationships.
This perspective promotes awareness of historical injustices and the importance of reconciliation.
What differing perspectives exist regarding the purpose of treaties?
The government viewed treaties as a means of acquiring land, while First Nations saw them as sacred agreements recognizing land rights.
This fundamental difference contributes to ongoing conflicts over treaty interpretations.
What was the Canadian government’s motivation for negotiating treaties?
To obtain access to Indian lands for economic benefits and to extend sovereign control over Western Canada.
Warfare was not a viable option due to the demographics and costs involved.
How did First Nations view the treaties during negotiations?
As sacred promises that recognized their land rights and provided for their future.
This perspective is rooted in their cultural and spiritual beliefs.
What is a major source of conflict regarding treaties today?
Differing interpretations of the treaties’ purpose and the oral promises made during negotiations that were not included in written texts.
This includes issues of terminology and cultural misunderstandings.
What terminology used in treaty texts contrasts with Indigenous philosophies?
Words like cede, release, surrender, and yield up.
These terms imply total land surrender, which contradicts Indigenous understandings of land use.
What was never understood during the treaty negotiations?
There was never an understanding that they were going to surrender totally and give up totally, the resources that were on those lands.
What common strategy did Canada’s treaty commissioners have during negotiations?
To discuss only the benefits of a treaty and to ignore its liabilities.
What was a significant issue in the post-treaty relationship?
The lack of treaty fulfillment, the imposition of the Indian Act, and the government’s mandate of assimilation.
What remains a critical aspect of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians?
The treaty relationship.
What is the importance of treaty education according to Gordon Barnhart?
Treaty education is an important part of forging new ties and understanding Treaties as living, breathing documents.
What should treaties be considered as?
Living agreements that continue to shape the relationship between First Nations and other Canadians.
What are treaties defined as?
Agreements made between different countries/nations, considered nation to nation agreements.
What were the first types of treaties with Europeans primarily based on?
Economic reasons and diplomatic relations based on kinship.
What is the Two-Row Wampum, also known as Gusweñta?
A peace and friendship treaty between the Haudenosaunee and the Dutch government, symbolizing respect for each party’s way of life.
What did the Royal Proclamation of 1763 establish?
An exclusive arrangement between Government and First Nations regarding land acquisition and protection.
What did the Royal Proclamation of 1763 declare about land negotiation?
Only the Crown could negotiate with First Nations for land surrenders.
What were the Robinson Treaties of 1850 significant for?
They set important historical precedents for the numbered treaties, including reserve land and annuities.
What were the provisions established by the Numbered Treaties?
- Establishing reserves
- Annual payments (annuities)
- Prohibiting alcohol on reserves
- Establishing schools at Band request
- Protection of hunting, fishing, and trapping rights
- Aid for beginning farmers
True or False: The Numbered Treaties were signed between 1871 and 1921.
True.
What was the role of the Treaty Commissioner in the Robinson Treaties?
To negotiate treaties with First Nations around Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Fill in the blank: Treaties are considered ______ agreements.
nation to nation
What was a major misconception about treaties as indicated in polls?
That treaties are outdated historical documents that provide advantages for one group only.
What does the term ‘annuities’ refer to in the context of treaties?
Annual payments of cash provided to First Nations.
What was the impact of the Indian Act on treaty relationships?
It imposed assimilation policies that derailed the intended relationship envisioned in the treaties.
What percentage of Canadians supported Aboriginal self-government according to a 2003 poll?
53% supported Aboriginal self-government.
What are the implications of a lack of knowledge about treaties?
It can negatively impact the relationship between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.
How did First Nations react to the purchase of Rupert’s Land by Canada?
They became angry and took action as they were not consulted.
What was the significance of the numbered treaties in relation to land?
They established reserves and set terms for land use and rights.
What was the role of the Treaty Commissioner during the negotiation of the numbered treaties?
To facilitate discussions and formalize agreements between the Crown and First Nations.
What does the phrase ‘living agreements’ imply about treaties?
That treaties continue to evolve and have ongoing relevance in contemporary society.
What was the annual payment given to individuals under the treaties?
Four to five dollars per individual, more for chiefs and headmen
What did the treaties prohibit on reserves?
Alcohol
What provisions were allowed for the establishment of schools under the treaties?
Payment of salaries to a teacher at the request of the Band
What rights were protected by the treaties regarding hunting, fishing, and trapping?
Protection of hunting, fishing, and trapping rights on unoccupied Crown lands
What type of aid was provided for beginning farmers under the treaties?
Tools, animals, and instruction
What was promised to First Nations in times of famine according to Treaty 6?
A Medicine chest to be kept at the home of the Indian agent and relief in times of famine
What access was granted to Canadians in exchange for Treaty agreements?
Access to First Nations’ lands and natural resources
What is the significance of the slogan ‘we are all treaty people’?
It signifies that all individuals benefit from treaties in some way
What does Margaret Kovach state about treaties?
Treaties are an active relational process and not just historical documents
What were the Canadian government’s motives for Treaty negotiations?
To obtain access to Indian lands for economic benefits and expansion
Why did First Nations negotiate treaties?
To recognize land rights and ensure survival in changing circumstances
What did the First Nations Chiefs request in treaty negotiations?
Provisions for farming, education, and medicine
What concept is central to the First Nations’ view of treaties?
Treaties as sacred promises sealed through ceremonial processes
What is a major source of conflict regarding treaty interpretations today?
Differing interpretations of the purpose and importance of treaties
What is meant by the ‘spirit and intent’ of the treaties?
The understanding of oral promises made during negotiations that were not written
What terminology in treaty texts has led to cultural misunderstandings?
Words such as cede, release, surrender, and yield up
What was the Canadian government’s perspective on the Treaties?
They viewed Treaties as a formality for securing Indian land rights
What did First Nations believe regarding the term ‘surrender’ in treaties?
They never understood it as giving up total rights to their lands
What was a significant issue in the post-treaty relationship?
Lack of treaty fulfillment and the imposition of the Indian Act
What is the impact of a lack of knowledge about treaties on reconciliation?
It can negatively affect the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canadians
According to Gordon Barnhart, why is treaty education important?
It helps forge new ties and acknowledges the contributions of First Peoples
