Make this a new day

Minutes

Structure:

Purpose:

Description:

Day 1:

Date:

Handout:

A Treaty is More Than a Promise

Grade Level:

K

Subject:

Treaty Education

Topic:

Being together: Getting to Know Our Communities
Treaties

Objective:

Express a personal understanding of the nature of making and keeping a promise as it relates to treaty-making.

Other Information:

A treaty is like a promise but it is also more than a promise. A promise is an agreement between two or more people. When promises are made, the parties involved must keep the promise until a mutually agreed time. To do this, they do not have to sign a paper or conduct a ceremony. Treaties are solemn agreements made between two or more sovereign nations.
Peace and Friendship Treaties
On the East Coast, Peace and Friendship Treaties were signed with Mi'kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy First Nations 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.
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.
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. The Peace and Friendship Treaties did not involve First Nations surrendering rights to the lands and resources they had traditionally used and occupied.
The Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations continue to 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.
Source: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca

Public Notes:

This lesson plan provides three separates lessons which can be taught over three sessions.

Private Notes:

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Prep:

Photocopy sheets.

Materials:

-A copy of "A Promise is a Promise" by Robert Munsch and Michael Kusugak.
-Internet access so you can play a recording of the author reading the story (www,robertmunsch.com/book/a-promise-is-a-promise-2#)

Standards Met:

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