Treaty 8

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty 8?

Subject:

Treaty 8

Known for:

The largest of the Numbered Treaties, covering vast lands in modern-day Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Treaty 8, which concluded with the June 21, 1899, signing by representatives of the Crown and various First Nations of the Lesser Slave Lake area, is the most comprehensive of the eleven Numbered Treaties. The agreement encompassed a land mass of approximately 841,000 km2 (324,900 sq mi). Treaty territory, which includes thirty-nine First Nation communities in northern Alberta, northwestern Saskatchewan, northeastern British Columbia, and the southwest portion of the Northwest Territories, making it the largest of the numbered treaty in terms of area.

Career & Major Achievements

The treaty was negotiated just south of present-day Grouard, Alberta. The Crown had between 1871 and 1877 signed Treaties 1 to 7. Treaties 1 to 7 cover the southern portions of what was the North-West Territories.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

At that time, the Government of Canada had not considered a treaty with the First Nations in what would be the Treaty 8 territory necessary, as conditions in the north were not considered conducive to settlement. Along with the Douglas Treaties, Treaty 8 was the last treaty signed between the Crown and the First Nations in British Columbia until the Nisga'a Final Agreement.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1871: 1871 Milestone — The Crown had between 1871 and 1877 signed Treaties 1 to 7.
2. 1899: 1899 Milestone — Treaty 8, which concluded with the June 21, 1899, signing by representatives of the Crown and various First Nations of the Lesser Slave Lake area, is the most comprehensive of the eleven Numbered Treaties.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty 8

True or False: “True or False: Treaty 8 is the smallest of the eleven Numbered Treaties in terms of total land area.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. Treaty 8 is explicitly stated as the most comprehensive and largest of the numbered treaties in terms of area, covering approximately 841,000 km².

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adnan Menderes — Historical peer (Born in 1899) (1899): Turkish politician who served as Prime Minister of Turkey from 1950 to 1960.
• Al Capone — Historical peer (Born in 1899) (1899): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Abanindranath Tagore — Historical peer (Born in 1871) (1871): Pioneering figure of the Bengal School, modernizing Indian art against Western influence.
• Alexander Scriabin — Historical peer (Born in 1871) (1871): Russian composer and pianist, known for his highly dissonant, mystical, and color-coded musical language.
• Adolphe Thiers — Historical peer (Died in 1877) (1877): Influential French statesman, historian, and President of the Third Republic.
• Aga Khan III — Historical peer (Born in 1877) (1877): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty 8