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General Goals

Treaty Education

Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6

Resources

Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6

Objectives:
- to understand that treaties are promises made with the Creator by at least two groups
- to learn about the contents of Treaty Six, compared to other Treaties in Saskatchewan
- to review the influence and power of the Indian Agent
- to learn that treaties were agreements between First Nations people and the Queen's representatives
Key terms: pipe ceremony, Crown, respect, Elders, Queen Victoria, Chiefs, Eagle staff

Suggested Resources:
• A Timeline of Events Leading to Treaties in Saskatchewan.
• Handouts on the Indian Act and Indian Agent
• Handout on elements of a pipe and the significance of the pipe.
• Legacy: Indian Treaty Relationships (Available from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner Kit from Grade 7-12 located in the school library)
• Aboriginal Elders and Community Workers in Schools
• Picture of an Eagle Staff

Suggested Activities:
• Classes may wish to do research on Queen Victoria.
• Discuss the idea that the role of Queen Victoria of Great Britain was central to the treaty making process
The First Nations people understood the Queen as a "good-hearted mother". Her representatives negotiated on behalf of the Queen with First Nations Chiefs. The Chiefs negotiated on behalf of the First Nations people and the Elders prayed during the treaty ceremonies.
• The flag of Great Britain flying at the signing of the treaties was symbolic of the Queen.
• Colour the picture of the 1867 British Flag.
• Have students re-enact the signing ceremony of the treaties.
• Classes may wish to do research on the main Chiefs involved in the signing of Treaty Six. eg: Big Bear, Poundmaker, Mistawasis.
• Research why the Métis people were excluded from the treaty making process.
• Discuss timeline and add other pertinent information.
• Find out the significance of the Eagle Staff.
• Additional discussion that compares how other countries perceive treaties among Aboriginal peoples e.g. Australia, New Zealand, Sweden.

* Additional teaching ideas can be found at these websites:
http://www.tappedinto.com/clients/otc/test.php
http://collections.ic.gc.ca/sifc/lesson21.htm
http://www.inac.gc.ca
http://www.metismuseum.com
http://www.ammsa.com
http://www.nativeweb.com
http://www.shannonthunderbird.com
http://www.indianclaims.ca
http://www.otc.ca