An introduction to Treaty 8
On June 21, 1899, the eighth treaty between the Indians of North America and the Queen of England was signed. The signatories of Treaty 8 agreed to its terms for reasons of peace and friendship – ensuring what they thought would be a partnership. Treaty 8 was the most comprehensive treaty, encompassing a land mass of approximately 840,000 kilometers, and is home to 41 First Nation communities. Treaty No 8 territory encompasses areas of Northern Alberta, Northwestern Saskatchewan, Northeastern British Columbia, and the Southwest portion of the Northwest Territories.
History of TREATY No. 8 Organizations
- Initially began as the Grand Council of Treaty 8, involved almost all the Nations but eventually resulted in the formation of Treaty 8 First Nations in Alberta, a non-profit organization.
- This was due to government policies that were created to divide the Nations by interprovincial statutory funding regulations, thus limiting our Nations from meeting.
- As a result, the Chiefs at that time established their political organizations to continue advancing their mutual interests to protect, promote, bring to life implement and sustain the True Spirit and Intent of Treaty No. 8 as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the Waters Flow and until such a time as Yidah should reverse”.
- Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta is the political assembly where our Nations meet to establish legal, political, fiscal, and economic relationships between themselves, and to identity and develop comprehensive plans and mutually acceptable standards whereby the recognition of our Inherent and Treaty Rights and jurisdictions are advanced nationally and internationally. The vision is about our land, our people, our ways and that the True Spirit and Intent of Treaty No. 8 are respected and honored.
