Peace and Friendship Treaties
On the East Coast, Peace and Friendship Treaties were signed with the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy prior to 1779. Treaties are solemn agreements that set out long-standing promises, mutual obligations and benefits for both parties. The British Crown first began entering into treaties to end hostilities and encourage cooperation between the British and First Nations. As the British and French competed for control of North America, treaties were also strategic alliances which could make the difference between success and failure for European powers.
- Map: Peace and Friendship Treaties
- Why are Peace and Friendship Treaties different than other Treaties in Canada?
- How is the situation today in the Maritimes and Gaspé different from other parts of Canada?
- What happens to the treaties once a new long-term agreement is negotiated?
Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Aboriginal people of Canada, including the Peace and Friendship Treaties. This means that since 1982 treaty rights are protected by Canada's Constitution.
The following two Maritime Peace and Friendship Treaties contain treaty rights that have been recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Other treaties include:
- Treaty of 1725 or Dummer's Treaty
- 1728 Ratification of the Treaty of 1725
- 1749 Renewal of the Treaty of 1725
- 1749 Ratification of the Renewal of the Treaty of 1725
Why are Peace and Friendship Treaties different than other historic treaties in Canada?
Starting in 1701, in what was to eventually become Canada, the British Crown entered into treaties to encourage peaceful relations between First Nations and non-Aboriginal people. Some treaties, like the Peace and Friendship treaties in the Maritimes, were to end hostilities and encourage cooperation between the British and First Nations.
Others, like the Upper Canada Treaties (1764 to 1862), Vancouver Island (Douglas) Treaties (1850 to 1854) and Numbered Treaties in Ontario, across the Prairies, as well as parts of the Northwest Territories (1871 to 1921), involved First Nations ceding or surrendering their rights to the land in exchange for a variety of benefits. These benefits included such things as reserve lands, farming equipment and animals, annual payments, ammunition, clothing and certain rights to hunt and fish.
Unlike later treaties signed in other parts of Canada, the Peace and Friendship Treaties did not involve First Nations surrendering rights to the lands and resources they had traditionally used and occupied.
How is the situation today in the Maritimes and Gaspé different from other parts of Canada?
Following the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Marshall, Canada is engaging in negotiations with Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy on the basis that they have treaty rights to hunt, fish and gather towards earning a moderate livelihood. These treaty rights must be implemented. Along with these treaty rights, First Nations maintain that they continue to hold Aboriginal rights and title throughout their traditional territory. This creates a special situation unlike any other found in Canada. There is no model or generic approach to follow on how to proceed in these negotiations. All parties must be prepared to consider how to devise a negotiation process which meets everyone's circumstances, needs and interests.
What happens to the treaties once a new long-term agreement is negotiated?
This will be up to the parties to determine through negotiations. Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights and this includes the Peace and Friendship Treaties signed in the Maritimes and Gaspé region of Quebec. Negotiations will respect the Peace and Friendship Treaties.
For more information on Maritime Peace and Friendship Treaties, check out:
- Peace and Friendship Treaties in the Maritimes and Gaspé, prepared by William Wicken, PhD (The attached paper is the work of Prof. Wicken, PhD, and represents his views respecting the Crown/ Aboriginal treaty relationship in the Atlantic. It does not necessarily represent the views of the federal government.)
- The Indian Treaties Collection of the Nova Scotia Archives, which includes images of some of the actual treaty texts
- The Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Education Initiative by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs