We thank all Treaty Indians in helping to protect our great grandfathers' treaties with the Queen. Thank you for your untiring efforts so our great grandfathers' signatures were not in vain. This unit provides a framework for gaining insight into the Canadian Aboriginal and Treaty rights. These are the rights which Indian Nations enjoy from time immemorial. Goals for the Native Studies program stress an appreciation for Aboriginal beliefs, practices and perspectives, particularly the common respect for the land.
Spiritual beliefs continue to give meaning and direction to all activities in traditional cultures.
For many, these beliefs and practices have as much meaning today as they had in the past. Common elements of Aboriginal knowledge and philosophy provide a pivot from which Aboriginal and treaty rights may be examined. The negotiation of treaties between the First Nations and the Crown dates back to the 18th century. The Royal Proclamation also affirmed that Aboriginal title existed. After Canada purchased the Hudson's Bay Company in the west, government officials saw the necessity of negotiating treaties to open the region for settlement.