Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indian Act
Know Your Rights
Criminal Law
Child Protection
Fair Decision Making
Promises were made to the First Nations in the Treaties. These promises became Treaty Rights.
The Assembly of First Nations lists these rights as Treaty Rights:
- Right of First Nations to keep their own systems of governance, including choice of leadership and control over their own citizenship, trade and spiritual beliefs
- Right to Shelter
- Rights to Treaty annuity or annual payments under the terms of certain Treaties
- Right to Child Welfare
- Right to Land and Resources
- Right to Education
- Right to Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping
- Right to Justice
Self-Government
By making Treaties with First Nations the government recognized that these nations had the right to govern themselves. This right is what gave them the authority to make Treaties with another government. The right to self-government has been recognized by the government of Canada as an Inherent Right of Indigenous Peoples. It is also a right guaranteed under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Whereas the said Indians have been notified and informed by Her Majesty's said Commissioners that it is the desire of Her Majesty to make a treaty and arrange with them, so that there may be peace and good will between them and Her Majesty and between them and Her Majesty's other subjects.
Traditional Territories and Resources
The government wanted to use the Treaties to open land for settlement. They wanted the First Nations to give up their rights to their Traditional Territories. But that is not how the First Nations saw the Treaties.
Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Rights
The Treaty Right to continue hunting, fishing ,trapping and other ways traditional ways of living off the land was a key promise made to First Nations entering into the numbered Treaties.
Agricultrual Benefits
The Treaties included promises to provide First Nations with agricultural tools, seeds and livestock.
Annuities and Assistance
The numbered Treaties have promises to pay yearly sums of money and to provide assistance to First Nations in times of hardship.
