Treaty Day

See “Living Well Together” on pages 8 to 13 in the We Are All Treaty People issue of Kayak: Canada’s History Magazine for Kids.

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Peace and Friendship Treaties, 1725 – 1779

Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy people – sometimes grouped together under the name Abenaki – were the first to live in what we now think of as the Maritimes. The British, always looking for an edge in their on-again, off-again wars with the French, wanted to bring the First Nations squarely to their side. Both groups wanted more trade with each other. The Peace and Friendship Treaties said the British and First Nations would not bother each other, and agreed on the rights of First Nations people to hunt and fish and follow their spiritual beliefs. The treaties did not involve giving up land. For the Mi’kmaq in particular, the Treaties were seen as creating new family relationships with the newcomers.

Minds on

On October 1, 1986 Treaty Day was proclaimed in Nova Scotia and since that time has been celebrated annually to recognize the connection between the Crown and the Mi’kmaq, and to commemorate the Peace and Friendship Treaties. Provide an overview of the Peace and Friendship Treaties.

Hands on

Have students create an invitation to an event celebrating the Peace and Friendship Treaties/Treaty Day in Nova Scotia. Design a rubric that includes a short historical overview, main players, maps, and significance in the past and today.