A Look Into the History of Treaty Relationships and Residential Schools in Canada

In this interview with  Willie Littlechild, he discusses the consequences of residential schools have had, as he shares his personal history and experiences. As a commissioner investigating the truth of what occurred in these institutions, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the history and accepting the responsibility in creating a better future in Canada.

There is an importance for people to understand treaty relationships and history. He discusses the topic of how Indigenous lands were not surrendered but agreed upon to share with others. Littlechild suggests examining how ancestors and interpreters understood treaty agreements. These agreements should be understood from multiple perspectives. He highlights four key elements: the surrender or sharing of lands, the spiritual aspect through ceremonies, the legal interpretation, and the different understanding of treaties among Aboriginal peoples and the Crown. Littlechild suggests a full review of the treaties to find what was truly agreed upon. These agreements were impacted by translation and misunderstandings, including court decisions that have affected the Indigenous-Crown relationship.

Willie Littlechild mentions how the commissioner’s goal was to help the Indigenous people to become agriculture farmers, which resulted in a formula that determined what land was given to newcomers and what was kept by Indigenous communities. He explains that the word “reserve” comes from the idea that Indigenous peoples would retain the rights to the lands that they did not agree to share. There was also a misinterpretation in courts on the right to health, education, and a clean environment. These rights were often reduced to simplistic interpretations.

In closing Littlechild shares his prayers for reconciliation to happen within this lifetime. There is a need for respectful interaction, good governance, and unity to rebuilding the country a strong and prosperous nation.