Treaties and Indigenous government are central to understanding Canada. Treaties are not simply historical documents. They are continuing relationships between Indigenous Nations and the Crown that involve rights, responsibilities, land, resources, and commitments that remain important today.
This page introduces First Nations treaties, Indigenous rights, historic and modern agreements, and the many forms of Indigenous government in Canada. Treaty relationships, legal rights, and governance structures differ by Nation, community, region, and agreement.
What Are Treaties?
Treaties are agreements made between Indigenous Nations and the Crown. Many were negotiated long before Confederation, while others were made after Canada was formed. The meanings and intentions of treaties are not always understood in the same way by First Nations and governments, and treaty implementation remains an important issue today.
Historic treaties may address peace, friendship, land sharing, reserve lands, annuities, hunting and fishing, education, and other matters. The exact terms and history depend on the treaty and the Nations involved.
Not every part of Canada is covered by the same kind of treaty. Some areas are connected to historic treaties, while others are connected to modern treaties and land claims agreements. In some regions, treaty relationships and Indigenous rights remain the subject of negotiation, court decisions, and community-led work.
Historic Treaties in Canada
Canada recognizes historic treaties made between the Crown and Indigenous peoples from the early 1700s through the early 1900s. These include Peace and Friendship Treaties in Atlantic Canada, the Robinson and Douglas Treaties, the Numbered Treaties, and other agreements.
Each treaty has its own history, wording, Nations, and geographic area. It is important to learn about the treaty history of a specific place rather than assuming that one treaty applies everywhere.
Explore historic treaties by province and territory to learn about treaty areas, Nations, and related history.
Modern Treaties and Land Claims Agreements
Modern treaties, often called comprehensive land claims agreements, are agreements made between Indigenous partners and the Crown in more recent times. They may address land ownership, resource management, wildlife, financial arrangements, governance, and self-government.
Modern treaties are especially important in many northern and western regions of Canada. Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities have distinct agreements and governance relationships that should be understood in their own context.
Visit modern treaties and land claims agreements for related articles and resources.
Treaty Rights and Indigenous Rights
Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. The Constitution identifies First Nations, Inuit, and Métis as distinct Indigenous peoples.
Treaty rights are not identical from one treaty to another. Indigenous rights may also involve matters such as land, harvesting, culture, language, governance, and community life. Questions about rights can be complex and may involve treaties, legislation, court decisions, negotiations, and the specific history of a Nation or community.
This page provides general educational information only. For current legal, citizenship, land, or treaty-rights questions, consult the Nation, community, treaty organization, or qualified professional connected to the specific matter.
First Nations Government
First Nations governments take many forms. A community may use terms such as Nation, First Nation government, council, traditional government, hereditary leadership, elected leadership, or another community-specific name. These systems should not be treated as identical.
The word “band” appears in Canadian federal law and in many older records, particularly under the Indian Act. Some communities continue to use the term in an official legal context, while others use their own Nation or community name. Whenever possible, use the name preferred by the community itself.
First Nations governments may make decisions about community services, education, housing, land, language, culture, economic development, health, child and family services, and other local priorities. The scope of authority differs among Nations and communities.
Inuit and Métis Governance
Inuit and Métis are not First Nations, and their treaty and governance relationships are distinct. Inuit governance in Canada is closely connected to Inuit Nunangat, Inuit-Crown treaties, regional organizations, and community priorities. Métis governments and organizations represent Métis citizens and communities within the Métis Nation Homeland and elsewhere in Canada.
Explore Inuit governance and treaties and Métis government and self-determination for information specific to those peoples and communities.
Self-Determination and Self-Government
Indigenous self-determination refers to the right of Indigenous peoples to make decisions about their own communities, governments, cultures, lands, and futures. Self-government arrangements vary widely. They may be connected to treaties, land claims agreements, negotiated agreements, inherent rights, or community governance traditions.
Self-determination is not only a historical topic. It is part of present-day work involving language revitalization, land and water stewardship, education, health, justice, cultural continuity, and community development.
How to Research Treaties and Government
- Identify the specific Nation, community, province, or territory involved.
- Find the treaty or agreement connected to that place, if one applies.
- Use Nation and community sources whenever possible.
- Check official treaty organizations, Indigenous governments, and government records for current information.
- Remember that legal terminology and community terminology may not always be the same.
Continue Exploring
- Historic Treaties
- Modern Treaties and Land Claims
- First Nations Government
- Inuit Treaties and Governance
- Métis Government and Self-Determination
- First Nations by Province and Territory
- First Nations History
- Resources for Further Learning