Project Description

Thirteen documents representing various types of arrangements between Aboriginal Peoples and representatives of the government of Canada have been selected for the SchoolNet Digital Collections project by the National Archives of Canada. These important documents from Record Group 10 (RG 10, Records relating to Indian Affairs) are a most valuable and timely resource which merits diffusion to a wide Canadian audience. The documents furnish the basis for a better understanding of the relationships between the two negotiating parties within the context of European settlement and land development on Canadian territory.

These treaties are not only nationally significant for their content as historical records, but are also most interesting for their physical attributes; that is their composition and appearance. For instance, in addition to the text of each document, special features include maps, wax seals, totems, strands of ribbon, and the use of ink and watercolours.

The transcripts and maps used in this site have been published previously in Indian Treaties and Surrenders: From 1680 to 1890 Vol. I-II. (Ottawa: Brown Chamberlin [Queen's Printer], 1891) and Indian Treaties and Surrenders: From No. 281 to No. 483 Vol. III (Ottawa: C.H. Parmelee [King's Printer], 1912). The Detailed treaty descriptions prepared by the Government Archives Division of the National Archives of Canada refers to the Coles reprint of 1971, of the original publication. Later reprints also exist.

The records provided in this site are part of a collection of over 500 treaties, land surrenders, adhesions, amendments and other associated documents, which are available on the following microfilm reels:

Reel T-9938:     IT 001 to IT 159
Reel T-9939:     IT 160 to IT 290
Reel T-9940:     IT 291 to IT 400
Reel T-9941:     IT 401 to IT 506

Also included in this site is a brief administrative resume outlining the historical development of the administration of Indian Affairs from 1755 to 1993.

 

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