Government Violation of Clause in Treaty 10

Summary

In 1915 the government began regulating the amount of fish that could be consumed by Aboriginal peoples. In 1917, special regulations for Saskatchewan limited the amount of fish that could be caught yearly by Aboriginal groups. An addition to this ordinance was made in 1920, which stated that during closed fishing seasons, Aboriginal peoples could only catch as much fish as they were able to consume in one day. This law did not allow the preservation of fish through curing or hanging for winter consumption.

Implications

This law demonstrates provincial and federal disregard for a treaty clause deemed necessary for survival by Aboriginal signatories to Treaty 10 - that is, the preservation of Aboriginal hunting, fishing and trapping rights. This decision undermined Aboriginal traditional subsistence patterns and made survival difficult. Additionally, this would have the effect of skewing resources toward colonial authorities and companies, for future profit.

Sources

NAC, RG 23, vol. 1001, file 721-4-37, folder 24; Canada, Supplement to the Canada Gazette (Ottawa: King's Printer, 1915), 15 December 1917. Diefenbaker Center Archives, MG 01, vol. 8, Diefenbaker Papers, Case Files: R. v. Smith (1935).

Sub Event

Northern Saskatchewan Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Regulations

Resources

In Whose Interest?: Government-Indian Relations in Northern Saskatchewan and Wisconsin, 1900-1940

Date

1915-00-00

Community

Buffalo River Dene Nation

Canoe Lake Cree First Nation

English River First Nation

Hatchet Lake

Birch Narrows