No products in the cart.
Who Are The Treaty One First Nations?
The Treaty One First Nations are the seven signatory nations of Treaty No. 1, which was signed in 1871. These Nations have a shared history and responsibility to protect their Treaty rights and traditional territories. Together, they work to advance their political, economic, and cultural goals as part of the Treaty One Nation.
The Treaty One First Nations are:
- Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
- Long Plain First Nation
- Peguis First Nation
- Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation
- Sagkeeng First Nation
- Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation
- Swan Lake First Nation
These Nations collaborate to strengthen their communities and assert their rights under Treaty One.
What Is The Treaty One Declaration?
The Treaty One Declaration was signed on May 23, 2017, by the leaders of the Treaty One Nations to mark the 146th anniversary of the original Treaty 1 signing in 1871. The signing took place at Naawi-Oodena, and the Declaration formally established Treaty One Nations as a united voice dedicated to advancing and recognizing outstanding Treaty obligations.
The Declaration signals the beginning of a political movement, with a government committed to protecting Treaty rights and ensuring consultation and accommodation in areas like resource development. It represents a unified effort to speak and act on behalf of all member First Nations and their people.
Since the Declaration’s signing, the Treaty One chiefs have regularly met to discuss and shape the future of the nation and its governance, ensuring that the collective interests of Treaty One Nations remain at the forefront.
What Is The Treaty One Nation?
The leaders of Treaty One First Nations retain the right to self-determination, meaning they have the authority to shape their own social and political structures and relationships as leaders of their respective nations. The government of the Treaty One Nation is made up of the chiefs of the member First Nations, who guide and represent their peoples.
To facilitate contractual and funding agreements, the Treaty One chiefs have incorporated as a charitable organization, with a board of directors consisting of the chiefs themselves. This structure allows them to work collectively while advancing the goals of Treaty One.
How Did Treaty One Nation Come About?
On July 18, 2008, the Treaty One chiefs gathered during Peguis Treaty Days to discuss how to assert their Treaty rights more effectively and strategically. Many chiefs believed that the Treaties provided a stronger and more unified framework for political action and cooperation than tribal councils or individual First Nations. The discussions revolved around the idea that Treaty rights form the foundation of constitutionally recognized rights, which are increasingly being supported by the courts in matters related to land, sovereignty, and culture.
A major catalyst for these discussions was the federal government’s plans for pipeline projects that would cut through the heart of Treaty One’s traditional territory in southern Manitoba. This sparked a renewed urgency to protect Indigenous sovereignty and lands. Over the following years, key issues such as pipelines, outstanding Treaty land entitlements, and the Kapyong Barracks legal battle underscored the need for a united approach under Treaty One.
In May 2017, these efforts culminated in the signing of the Political Declaration of the Treaty One Nation, solidifying the chiefs’ commitment to work together to defend their Treaty rights and advance their shared goals.
Why Are The Treaties Important?
The Treaties are fundamental to the worldview and rights of First Nations. They are not just historical agreements—they confirm the political and sovereign status of the First Nations who signed them, recognizing their right to self-determination. This status aligns with principles of international law, which affirm the rights of nations to govern themselves.
In recent years, there has been growing awareness among First Nations that Treaty rights should be more strategically asserted in the fight for justice, self-sufficiency, and equality in Canada. The inclusion of Aboriginal and Treaty rights in Canada’s Constitution in 1982 provided a stronger legal foundation to address long-standing issues. The Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly confirmed that these rights are substantive, meaning they are enforceable, and not just symbolic.
The following principles guide how treaties are interpreted and upheld:
- Sacred Agreements: Treaties are solemn agreements between First Nations and the Crown, creating binding obligations for both sides.
- Honour of the Crown: The Crown must act with integrity when interpreting treaties, always aiming to fulfill its promises to Indigenous peoples.
- Favouring Indigenous Peoples: If the language in a treaty is unclear, it must be interpreted in a way that benefits the First Nations. The Crown must also prove, with strong evidence, any claim that a Treaty right has been extinguished.
- Balancing Rights: While Treaty rights are not unlimited, any infringement of these rights must be justified by the government based on strict legal tests.
- Nation-Specific Rights: Treaty rights are specific to the First Nations that signed the Treaty, meaning they apply only to those nations.
Treaties remain crucial because they are a legal and moral foundation for the relationship between First Nations and the Canadian government. They affirm the rights of Indigenous peoples to their lands, cultures, and governance, and serve as a tool for advancing justice and reconciliation today.
What Is The Treaty One Organization Doing And How Will My Family Benefit?
Every man, woman, and child of the Treaty One Nation has inherent Treaty rights. These rights cover a wide range of areas:
- Specific Rights: This includes our rights to hunt, fish, trap, gather, and practice ceremonies, all of which are critical to our culture and way of life.
- Cultural Rights: Our people have the right to continue spiritual beliefs and practices in our sacred places, a core part of who we are.
- Collective Rights: We also hold collective rights, such as the right to be consulted before developments like pipelines occur on our traditional lands. The Supreme Court of Canada has confirmed that companies and governments must consult and accommodate First Nation concerns when developing lands and resources.
However, these rights are not always respected. Treaty One’s leaders work hard to ensure our rights are defended and upheld, even when the results of their efforts may not always be immediately visible in our communities.
At the heart of these challenges is the ongoing struggle against Canada’s colonial structures and policies, which began with leaders like John A. Macdonald who sought to dispossess Indigenous peoples of their lands. Treaty One continues to fight for our rightful place and to ensure that future generations can thrive while protecting our lands, culture, and rights.
By defending these rights, Treaty One is safeguarding our ability to pass down our traditions, protect our lands, and create economic opportunities for future generations. Your family benefits when our rights to land, resources, and culture are respected, and when we work together to build a strong, self-sustaining future.
What Work Is Treaty One Doing On The Political Front?
Treaty One is making significant strides in both political advocacy and nation-building. A prime example is the Naawi-Oodena Urban Reserve, a groundbreaking project that showcases the economic and business potential of Treaty One First Nations in Winnipeg and beyond (learn more at www.treaty1.ca). However, the work extends far beyond urban development. The focus is also on defending and strengthening Treaty rights and fostering unity across the seven member First Nations.
In 2008, these nations came together to form the Treaty One Nation and Government, committing to a shared vision of progress. Key initiatives include:
- Defending and Asserting Treaty Rights: Ensuring that all public and private developments affecting the traditional Treaty One territory respect and honor the rights of the First Nations.
- Economic and Business Development: Proactively pursuing opportunities that benefit all seven member First Nations, driving community growth and prosperity.
- Nation-Building: Cultivating a shared identity and “consciousness of oneness” among Treaty One Nations to move forward as a unified government and nation, rather than separate bands or councils.
Through these efforts, Treaty One is forging a future rooted in sovereignty, economic empowerment, and cultural strength.
What Has Treaty One Accomplished To Date?
Treaty One Nations have made remarkable progress in reclaiming lands, asserting sovereignty, and fostering economic development, driven by a commitment to uphold the spirit and intent of Treaty No. 1. Key accomplishments include:
-
Treaty Signing & Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Framework
- August 3, 1871: The signing of Treaty No. 1 at Lower Fort Garry established a sacred relationship of respect and cooperation between the Anishinaabe of Southern Manitoba and the British Crown, marking the beginning of the Treaty relationship.
- May 29, 1997: The Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Framework Agreement was adopted, addressing the land debt owed to Manitoba First Nations, allowing for the restoration of land to First Nations as intended by Treaty.
-
Assertion of Sovereignty Over Kapyong Barracks Lands
- April 11, 2001: The Department of National Defence declared Kapyong Barracks as “federal surplus property.” Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and Long Plain First Nation expressed interest in the lands, initiating a land claim.
- 2008: Treaty One First Nations adopted the Unity Protocol and exercised their rights by initiating legal proceedings to ensure proper consultation and accommodation before any land transactions, asserting their sovereignty.
- September 2009 – August 15, 2015: The Federal Court of Appeal affirmed that Canada had not adequately consulted the First Nations, marking a judicial victory for Treaty One.
-
Establishment of Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC)
- April 11, 2018: An Agreement in Principle was reached between Canada and the seven Treaty One Nations to work towards a settlement agreement on Kapyong lands.
- July 12, 2018: The Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC) was officially established to manage the collective interests of the seven First Nations in the development of Kapyong lands.
-
Comprehensive Settlement & Naawi-Oodena Renaming
- August 30, 2019: The Kapyong Comprehensive Settlement Agreement was signed, enabling Treaty One Nations to purchase the land.
- April 2021: The Kapyong Barracks were renamed Naawi-Oodena during a Naming Ceremony led by the late Elder Dave Courchene Jr., symbolizing the reclamation of the land by Treaty One.
-
Land Repatriation & Sovereign Governance
- December 18, 2022: Naawi-Oodena officially returned to the stewardship of the seven Treaty One Nations as a joint urban reserve, signifying a profound moment of land repatriation and resurgence in collective governance.
- November 2023: The Treaty One Joint Reserve Land Code was ratified, empowering the Treaty One Nations to manage Naawi-Oodena autonomously, under their own laws and management structures.
-
Economic Development & Construction
- March 2024: Construction commenced on Block A at Naawi-Oodena, marking the first phase of development after more than 20 years. This development represents the resilience, progress, and determination of Treaty One Nations to shape their future through economic development and self-governance.
What Is Naawi-Oodena and What Does the Future Hold?
Naawi-Oodena, formerly known as the Kapyong Barracks, is now entering an exciting phase of redevelopment. This site, located in the heart of Winnipeg, is being transformed into a vibrant community space, thanks to the vision and input from Treaty One First Nations.
The Master Plan for Naawi-Oodena outlines a bold future for the site, with opportunities for economic development, cultural initiatives, and community growth.
Click here to explore the Master Plan and discover more about what’s ahead for Naawi-Oodena and the many possibilities it offers.
Where Can Treaty One Citizens Get More Information?
Treaty One Nation is committed to keeping our citizens informed about our activities and initiatives. You can stay connected by following us on social media, where we regularly post updates and relevant information for the Treaty One community.
Follow us on social media:
For further inquiries or information, feel free to contact us:
Treaty One Nation – Sub Office
103-1075 Portage Avenue,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3G 0R8
Office Number: 204-783-3110
Toll-Free Number: 1-844-374-8844
Email: info@treaty1.ca