Numbered A to Z Treaties

Numbered Treaties A to Z welcomes readers in English, Ojibwe, Cree and Mohawk. The introduction shares “how Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this Land since the Beginning of Time, welcomed Newcomers who came to live among us.” It invites readers to explore the Numbered Treaties through the ABCs. Each letter shares a fact about the Treaties and sets the stage for meaningful conversations around Canadian history.

This Treaty primer aims to ‘talk back’ or address the gaps in the current narrative of how the Treaties came into being. It offers a deeper understanding of the histories of Indigenous Peoples in Canada through the signed Treaties. Although it is designed with young people in mind, it has educational value for all ages. A beautiful illustration and accessible description accompanies each letter which presents an overlooked aspect of our nation’s history. 

While this Treaty abcedaria is a compact volume it covers a lot of ground. By way of a sneak peek, it touches on the following big ideas: A is for Ancestors; B is for British Empire; C is for Colonization; D is for Dakota; E is for Europeans; F is for Farming; G is for Generations; H is for Handshake; I is for Indian Act; J is for Joint Relationship; K is for Kindness; L is for Land; M is for Medal; N is for Numbered Treaties; O is for Ownership; P is for Pipe Ceremony; Q is for Queen Victoria; R is for Reserves; S is for Self-Determination; T is for Treaties; U is for Unceded Territories; V is for Village; W is for Welcome; X-Mark is for Treaty Signature; Y is for YOU; and Z is for Zaagi’idiwin. Taken together, these teachings create a foundation for children and a reality check for adults to bolster their knowledge of Canadian history.

This A to Z resource critically examines historical events and concepts and encourages empathy. For instance, beginning with A is for Ancestors, a striking picture of a long line of Indigenous Peoples in traditional garb is accompanied by a standout comment: “Our Ancestors believed these Treaties were for Peace and Friendship. It soon became apparent … [that] instead, [they] were about ownership of the Land, and control over the lives of First Nations People.” This insight deftly pinpoints the negative consequences of the dishonest aims of European encroachment to claim resources and erode Indigenous Peoples’ way of life.

Another poignant entry is X-Mark is for Treaty Signature. The text notes that some words and concepts in the final Numbered Treaty documents did not exist in any First Nations language. Notably, the terms and phrase, “cede, release, surrender and yield up to the Government of the Dominion of Canada” had no equivalent and could not be translated.  Further, First Nations did not have a writing system thus could not sign names. Chiefs were directed to X-mark the paper so the Queen would honor it,  yet another misleading statement based upon a misrepresentation of its contents.

The Treaty ABC urges newcomers to understand and accept their responsibility to live up to the actual agreements made with Indigenous Peoples. The letter of the law was misrepresented. The spirit of the law, or, the harmonious intention in which it was presented and received, was denied. Ironically, when Indigenous Peoples signed as sovereign nations they were then denied their basic rights as subjects. The expression “We are all Treaty People” surfaces several times. It represents mutual respect and a desire to recognize and uphold the good faith agreements undertaken by Indigenous Peoples in the Treaty process.

The last letter, Z is for Zaagi’idiwin, says it best. Zaagi’idiwin is an Ojibwe word that means love, for all of us, since we are all treaty people. Being critical of our heritage sets the stage to reactivate a humane relationship that affirms everyone’s dignity. Unlocking the truth of the past is a springboard for contemplation which leads to action. Every reader will bump into new-to-them information to rethink history.  It challenges everyone to participate in building a nation that lives up to our highest vision of ourselves.  Join me in taking baby steps by reading this Treaty ABC to discover what that could look like moving forward.