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Treaty 8
Overall, in the few years prior to the making of Treaty Eight, First Nations were experiencing extreme conditions. Once gold was discovered in the Klondike in 1897, the Crown became interested in entering into a Treaty with the Cree and Dene in this area. Treaty Eight was the first Treaty to be negotiated after the 1885 Resistance. In 1899, Commissioner J.A.J. McKenna initially questioned the appropriateness of setting aside reserves in the north, recognizing that the First Nations did not form large tribal organizations, but rather lived dispersed on the land. First Nations had considerable apprehension that their way of life would be threatened and their livelihood curtailed - they wanted to fish, hunt, trap and gather as they always had. Being assured they would retain their way of life was the key to persuading the First Nations to accept Treaty Eight. The Treaty Commissioner assured the Cree and Dene that the Treaty would not interfere with their mode of life, that it did not open the way to the imposition of any tax, and that there was no fear of enforced military service. Other provisions included annuities, suits, medals and flags, education, relief in times of famine, and the choice to select reserve land collectively. |
