Treaty Ten News - June 20, 2022 - Dene Elder Marius Paul (Dene & English)

Treaty 10 covered 220,000 square kilometers in northern Saskatchewan and part of Alberta. The Metis, Cree and Dene communities are represented under this treaty that was signed in 1906-07. 

Looking at it from a modern day perspective, what were the challenges in signing Treaty 10? Did the aboriginal people truly understand what was being agreed upon? It is known that the English language is not the Aboriginals peoples first language, it was taught to them and passed on; this we know. 

The concept of land titles was also something new, so you can imagine the challenges the Aboriginal people faced. This area of Treaty 10 we know was not the most desired, due to the unfavorable conditions for agriculture. The Canadian government however eventually signed the treaty to expand settlement in Western Canada. 

Treaty 10 is large piece of land with years of history that affects generations. The goal of this video was to revisit that conversation. Our guest Marius Paul gives us a view from the Dene peoples perspective. How did they feel signing a document when communication between the two parties was not clear? We know it's difficult to communicate with someone who speaks a different language, something still relatable today. Now imagine what it was like in 1906-07.  They faced every barrier in communication possible and were still faced with the pressure to come to an agreement. 

This is a topic we will explore further, with different views and opinions; let's start the conversation today so we can move forward into the future.