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Treaty 7 was signed on 22 September 1877. It was the final Numbered Treaty between the Government of Canada and Plains First Nations (see also Plains Indigenous Peoples in Canada). Five First Nations signed the treaty: the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney-Nakoda and Tsuut’ina. There were different understandings of the treaty’s purpose. There were also cultural and language barriers that contributed to different understandings. The government wanted title to land for settlement. It wanted Indigenous peoples to give up their Aboriginal title to the land. First Nations thought they were signing peace treaties to allow settlement. They did not believe they were giving up their title to land. Some argue the government negotiators tried to mislead First Nations. There are ongoing conflicts and claims about Treaty 7.
This article is a plain-language summary of Treaty 7. If you are interested in reading about this topic more in depth, please see our full-length entry, Treaty 7.
Historical Context
Canada purchased Rupert’s Land in 1870. In the next year, British Columbia joined Canada. As part of British Columbia joining, Canada promised to build a railway across the country. To do this, the government needed to gain control of Indigenous territory.
Indigenous peoples were experiencing major changes during this time. Diseases, like smallpox, and the loss of bison herds caused major challenges to their ways of life. There were also challenges from settlers and traders from the United States. (See also History of Settlement in the Canadian Prairies.)
Impetus
The federal government wanted to take Indigenous peoples’ Aboriginal title to the land. It wanted this so it could move forward with its plans for settlement. First Nations wanted peace between themselves, with the government and with settlers.
In 1875, Chief Isapo-muxika (Crowfoot) learned that treaties were planned for the territory. He met with other members of the Blackfoot Confederacy (see also Niitsitapi). They sent a petition to Alexander Morris, lieutenant-governor of Manitoba. The petition listed concerns about the arrival of settlers. It also included concerns about Cree and Métis buffalo hunters moving to the territory (see Buffalo Hunt). They wanted an Indian commissioner to stop these arrivals until a treaty was signed. Treaty negotiations were set for 1877.
Negotiations
David Laird and James Macleod were the government treaty negotiators. Chief Isapo-muxika (Crowfoot) negotiated on behalf of the Blackfoot Confederacy (see also Niitsitapi). However, the Blackfoot Confederacy may not have considered him their leader in negotiations.
First Nations believed the treaties were peace treaties. They believed they were allowing settlement. In return, they gained promises from the government. They did not believe they were surrendering land. This disagreement with the government came from cultural misunderstandings. It also came from translation issues.
The treaty was negotiated at Blackfoot Crossing in Siksika territory (now Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, southeast of Calgary). Negotiations started on 19 September. Not all leaders were there yet. Laird listed positive things the government would do. He promised to protect the bison. He also said bison were disappearing. The government wanted Indigenous peoples to switch to agriculture. First Nations leaders wanted to be able to continue hunting and fishing. They also discussed annual payments, reserve lands and education.
On 21 September, Chief Mi’k ai’stoowa (Red Crow) of the Kainai arrived. He agreed with the terms of the treaty. The treaty was signed on 22 September.
Terms of the Treaty
Under the treaty, First Nations received reserve lands. They received 1 sq. mile per family of five. They also received immediate payments of $12 for each person. Annually, chiefs received $25 and minor chiefs and councillors received $15. Every other First Nations person under treaty received $5 per year. Chiefs also received a rifle. Head chiefs received a medal and flag. Every three years, all chiefs and councillors were promised a new suit of clothing.
The government promised to pay teachers’ salaries on reserves. They also promised $2,000 of ammunition each year and some tools.
Families were also promised cattle. They could choose one fewer cow in exchange for farming tools. The chief received a bull for the First Nation’s use.
Modern Interpretation and Implications
Many observers today agree First Nations did not believe they were surrendering land under treaty. The hopes of the First Nations also didn’t happen. Bison disappeared. Settlers continued to arrive. Cree and Métis hunters continued to hunt in the area. The government’s promise to help the First Nations transition to agriculture didn’t happen either. The First Nations were impoverished after the treaty. Many feel the government hasn’t lived up to its promises. As a result, many land claims in this territory are still being negotiated today.