In recent times there has been an enormous amount of discussion focused
on the "spirit and intent of Treaty 8, a direct result of
the recent passing of the centennial anniversary of its signing.
Not only has the debate greatly broadened the way in which we have
traditionally interpreted the event and its significance, it has perhaps
more significantly sparked a renewed interest in this particular stage of
Canadian history amongst the First Nations people themselves. While
such a debate is healthy and makes great strides towards a more holistic
understanding of events, the peoples who took part in the treaty, as well as those
affected by the treaty must not be left unnoticed. In this
section we would like to share with you the stories of both the Treaty
Party and the many First Nations bands who took part in the Treaty 8 process.
Northwind Dreaming -
excerpts from the Provincial Museum of Alberta's exhibition catalogue
detailing the history of a significant First Nations community, Fort
Chipewyan and its role in the making of Treaty 8.
Mair's
Diary: Through the Mackenzie Basin -
excerpts from the diary of Charles Mair, official secretary to the
Treaty 8 Commission.
The
Treaty Makers - biographic details of the people who made up
the Treaty Commission and the First Nations signatories. This section
also features
profiles of the First Nations bands included in Treaty 8.
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