Treaty 4 Summary

Introduction

• Treaty 4 was established between Queen Victoria and the Cree and Saulteaux First Nation band governments.
• Covers most of modern southern Saskatchewan, parts of western Manitoba, and southeastern Alberta.
• Also known as the Qu'Appelle Treaty due to first signings at Fort Qu'Appelle on September 15, 1874.
• Unique for having an indigenous interpretation through a pictograph by Chief Paskwa.

Historical Context

• In 1870, Hudson's Bay Company sold Rupert's Land to the Dominion of Canada, excluding Indigenous peoples from negotiations.
• Indigenous peoples demanded recognition and compensation post-sale.
• Numbered treaties (first seven of eleven) signed between 1871-1877 to acquire land for settlement and railways.
• The Canadian government sought to prevent conflict with Indigenous peoples.

Treaty Negotiations

• Initiated on September 15, 1874, with Cree, Saulteaux, and Assiniboine representatives.
• Canadian representatives included Alexander Morris, David Laird, and William Christie.
• The negotiations were delayed due to internal disagreements and resentment over land sales.
• Ultimately, treaty terms were settled and signed.

Terms of Treaty 4

• Establishment of reserves: land selected by Canadian Government, not for sale by Indigenous peoples.
• Provision of schools, farming tools, and annual payments to Indigenous families and leaders.
• Hunting, fishing, and trapping rights maintained.
• Indigenous peoples obligated to obey Canadian laws and ensure peace.

Significance and Aftermath

• Treaty 4 set the stage for further settlement and railway construction.
• It addressed some Indigenous concerns over dwindling resources and settler encroachment.
• Several adhesions to Treaty 4 occurred over later years, expanding its scope.

List of Treaty 4 First Nations

Manitoba

• Swampy Cree Tribal Council
• West Region Tribal Council
• Independent First Nations

Saskatchewan

• File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council
• Saskatoon Tribal Council
• Touchwood Agency Tribal Council
• Yorkton Tribal Administration
• Independent First Nations

Conclusion

• Treaty 4 was a significant agreement in Canadian history, shaping the future of Indigenous and settler relations in the Prairie regions.
• It remains a cornerstone for understanding land rights and historical treaties in Canada.