Page 61 - Moose Deer Point First Nation

Treaty Rights

A treaty is a nation-to-nation agreement. For 5000 years prior
to the arrival of Europeans, First Nations had been negotiating
treaties and contracts with each other. Wampum belts recorded
these agreements in images and symbols that formed the
arrangements reached between the groups. The arrival of
Europeans brought new challenges to negotiating, but the basis
for a contract was well understood by First Nations in North
America. Our people used a pipe to seal agreements in good
faith before the Creator.

To us, treaty rights are a simple matter. They are all the items set
down in treaty between nations years ago, to be honoured by
both sides. In our case, we do not have a treaty with Canada like
those First Nations communities around us.

If you live in a town or city, you live by the laws of the country,
the province, and the municipality. We also live by the laws of
the country and the province, as well as by the laws of our First
Nation. To receive benefits provided to the First Nation under
the treaties (e.g., health services), we must be registered and be
a member of a First Nation. For some benefits, we must reside in
the First Nation territory (i.e., the reserve).

One basic treaty right for all Status Indians is the right to
education. Unlike the other First Nations in the Ogemawahj
Tribal Council, we are not part of the 1923 Williams Treaty.
Although there is some evidence that our people were involved
in a treaty called the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, the Crown
does not recognize our involvement.

This poster can be purchased
as part of the “We Are All
Treaty People” kit from the
Anishinabek Nation.

Moose Deer Point First Nation 59

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