Date Published:
September 2004

L’Encyclopédie de l’histoire du Québec / The Quebec History Encyclopedia

Treaties of Canada with Indians

[This text was originally published in 1907 by the Bureau of American Ethnology as part of its Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico . It was later reproduced, in 1913, by the Geographic Board of Canada. The work done by the American Bureau was monumental, well informed and incorporated the most advanced scholarship available at the time. In many respects, the information is still useful today, although prudence should be exercised and the reader should consult some of the contemporary texts on the history and the anthropology of the North American Indians suggested in the bibliographic introduction to this section. The articles were not completely devoid of the paternalism and the prejudices prevalent at the time. While some of the terminology used would not pass the test of our "politically correct" era, most terms have been left unchanged by the editor. If a change in the original text has been effected it will be found between brackets [.] The original work contained long bibliographies that have not been reproduced for this web edition. For the full citation, see the end of the text.]

[The original lengthy article of the American Bureau on Indian treaties was substituted by the editor with this one that concerned only the situation in Canada , as of 1907. Given the importance of Indian Treaties in Canada - they were constitutionalized by ss. 25 and 35 of the Constitutional Act, 1982 - the reader is urged to consult the Historic Treaty Information site of the Canadian Department of Indian Affairs for further information on the subject of Indian Treaties. The entry under treaties of the Encyclopedia of North American Indians should also be examined, although the discussion is applied in a specific way to the situation in the United States . The University of Alberta library has a fine Resource Guide for Canadian Indian Treaties, though some of the items are not available to the casual web searcher. For a tongue-in-cheek current native perspective on treaties, consult this page. The Assembly of First Nations of Canada has an interesting paper entitled: Peace, Friendship and Respect: Understanding Indigenous Treaties in Canada [PDF document]; as well, consult this generic page from the same source. The Canadian Encyclopedia also has an excellent page on the history and the content of Indian Treaties in Canada. In the following article, links have been made to the text of each of the main treaties mentioned.]

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Treaties. The British Government has always recognised the title of the Indian tribes to the territory they occupied. The Indian title to the portion of southern Ontario that had not previously been acquired by the French was extinguished by a series of purchases of which the following are the most important:

A. Mississauga. - Lands purchased prior to 1784.

B. Chippewa. - May 19, 1790, for £1,200 cy [currency].

C. Chippewa. - Purchased in 1785; northern and eastern boundaries doubtful.

D. Mississauga . - Dec. 7, 1792, for £1,180-7-4 stg.

E. Chippewa. - Sept. 7, 1796, for £800 cy.

F. Chippewa. - Sept. 7, 1796, for £1,200 cy.

G. Chippewa. - May 22, 1798, confirming surrender of May 19, 1795; for £101 cy.; 28,000 acres.

H. Mississauga. - Aug. 1, 1805, confirming surrender of Sept. 23, 1787; for 10s. "and divers good and valuable considerations given on 23rd September, 1787."

I. Mississauga . - Sept. 5-6, 1806, confirming the surrender of Aug. 2, 1805; for £1,000 cy.; 85,000 acres.

J. Chippewa. - Nov. 17-18, 1815, for £4,000 cy.; 250,000 acres.

K. Chippewa. - Oct. 17, 1818, for £1,200 cy.; 1,592,000 acres.

L. Mississauga. - Oct. 28, 1818 for annuity of £522-10 cy.; 648,000 acres.

M. Mississauga. - Nov 5, 1818, for annuity of £740 cy.; 1,951,000 acres.

N. Mississauga . - Nov. 28, 1822, confirming surrender of May 31, 1819; for annuity of £642-10 cy.; 2,748,000 acres

O. Chippewa. - July 8, 1822, confirming surrenders of Mar. 8, 1819 and May 9, 1820; for annuity of £600 cy.; 580,000 acres.

P. Chippewa. - July 10 1827, confirming surrender of April 26, 1825; for annuity of £1,100 cy.; 2,200,000 acres.

Q. Chippewa (Saugeens). - Aug. 9, 1836, for annuity of £1,250 cy.; 1,500,000 acres.

R. Chippewa. - Oct 13, 1854; for "interest of principal sum arising out of the sale of our lands."

 In 1811, Lord Selkirk purchased from the Hudson's Bay Company a tract of land including practically the whole of the drainage basins of the Assiniboine and Red rivers, the country to the south and west of Winnipeg to Rainy river and the territory lying between lake Winnipeg and approximate long. 102°30' and extending northward to lat. 52° to 52°30'. This tract included a large area now comprehended in the states of Minnesota and North Dakota . In 1817, Selkirk entered into negotiations with the Chippewa and Crees for the extinction of their title to a tract along the Red and Assiniboine rivers. It was explained to the Indians that the width of the tract they were surrendering was "the greatest distance, at which a horse on the level prairie could be seen, or daylight seen under his belly between his legs." This area was described in the treaty, as follows:

"All that tract of land adjacent to Red River, and Assiniboyne River, beginning at the mouth of Red River and extending along the same as far as Great Forks at the mouth of Red Lake River and along Assiniboyne River as far as the Musk Rat River, otherwise called Rivière des Champignons, and extending to the distance of six miles from Fort Douglas on every side, and likewise from Fort Daer [sic], and also from the Great Forks and in other posts extending in breadth to the distance of two English statute miles back from the banks of the said river."

The agreement provided that each nation should receive 100 pounds of "good and merchantable tobacco," annually. On September 7, 1850, Hon. Win. B. Robinson concluded the Robinson-Superior treaty with the Ojibewa (Chippewa) of Lake Superior whereby the latter surrendered their right and title to the  "Northern shore of Lake Superior, in the said Province of Canada, from Batchewanaung [Batchawana] Bay to Pigeon River, at the western extremity of said lake, and inland throughout the extent to the height of land which separates the territory covered by the charter of the Honourable the Hudson's Bay Company from the said tract. And also the islands in the said, lake within the boundaries of the British possessions therein."

The agreement provided for the payment of £2,000 cy. and an annuity of £500 cy. The number of Indians included in this treaty was estimated at 1,240 including 84 [Métis].

On September 8, 1850, Mr. Robinson concluded the Robinson-Huron treaty on similar terms with the Ojibewa (Chippewa) of Lake Huron. They received a gratuity of £2,180 cy. and an annuity of £800 cy. This treaty covered the "eastern and northern shores of Lake Huron from Penetanguishene to Sault Ste. Marie, and thence to Batchewanaung [Batchawana] Bay on the northern shore of Lake Superior, together with the islands in the said lakes opposite to the shores thereof, and inland to the height of land which separates the territory covered by the charter of the Honourable Hudson's Bay Company from Canada; as well as all unconceded lands within the limits of Canada West to which they have any just claim."

The Lake Huron Chippewa were stated to number 1,422 including some 200 [Métis].

Both these treaties contained the provision that, if the territory should, at anytime, produce an amount which would enable the Government of the Province, without incurring loss, to increase the annuity, it would be augmented, but it was not to exceed the sum of £1 cy, per head in any one year. Pursuant to this provision, the annuity has been increased to $4.00 per annum.

On October 6, 1862, the Ottawa and Chippewa of Manitoulin island signed the Manitoulin Island treaty. It recited that:: the Indian title to the said island was surrendered to the Crown, August 9, 1836, by virtue of a treaty between Sir Francis Bond Head and the chiefs of the Ottawa and Chippewa then claiming title; that, but few mainland Indians had removed to the island, and that it was deemed expedient to assign to the Indians, certain portions and to sell the portions available for settlement.

The treaty covered the portion of Manitoulin island west of Heywood island and South bay, the Indians refusing to cede the eastern portion. It stipulated that the Crown would grant each head of a family 100 acres, each single person over twenty-one, 50 acres; each family of orphan children under twenty-one, containing two or more persons, 100 acres; each single orphan 50 acres and, that interests from the investment of proceeds of land sales should be paid annually.

On August 3, 1871, Treaty Number One, or Stone Fort Treaty was concluded with the Chippewa and Swampy Crees (Maskegon) of Manitoba . In 1870, owing to the influx of settlers, the Indians had manifested much uneasiness. They repudiated the Selkirk Treaty and interfered with settlers and surveyors. Proclamations were issued inviting the Indians to meet the Indian Commissioner, Wemyss McDonald Simpson, and Lieut. Governor Archibald at the Stone Fort, Man., July 27. When the meeting opened, there were a thousand Indians and a considerable number of [Métis].

The treaty covered the tract described as follows:

"Beginning at the International boundary line near its junction with the Lake of the Woods, at a point due north from the centre of Roseau Lake; thence to run due north to the centre of Roseau Lake; thence northward to the centre of White Mouth Lake, otherwise called White Mud Lake; thence by the middle of the lake and the middle of the river issuing therefrom, to the mouth thereof in Winnipeg River; thence by the Winnipeg River to its mouth; thence westwardly, including all the islands near the south end of the lake, across the lake to the mouth of the Drunken River; thence westwardly, to a point on Lake Manitoba, half way between Oak Point and the mouth of Swan Creek; thence across Lake Manitoba, on a line due west to its western shore; thence in a straight line to the crossing of the Rapids on the Assiniboine; thence due south to the International boundary line; and thence easterly by the said line to the place of beginning."

It provided for the reservation of tracts of land sufficient to furnish 160 acres of land to each family of five; a present of $3 per head and payment of an annuity of $3 per head.

On August 21, 1871, Number Two or Manitoba Post Treaty was concluded with Chippewa, of Manitoba . It ceded a tract described as follows:

"Beginning at the mouth of Winnipeg River, on the north line of the lands ceded by said treaty; thence running along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, northwardly as far as the mouth of Beren's River; thence across said lake to its western shore at the north bank of the mouth of the Little Saskatchewan or Dauphin River; thence up said stream and along the northern and western shores thereof, and of St. Martin's Lake, and along the north bank of the stream flowing into St. Martin's Lake from Lake Manitoba by the general course of such stream to such last-mentioned lake; thence by the eastern and northern shores of Lake Manitoba to the mouth of the Waterhen River; thence by the eastern and northern shores of said river up stream to the northernmost extremity of a small lake known as Waterhen lake; thence in a line due west to and across Lake Winnipegosis; thence in a straight line to the most northerly waters forming the source of the Shell River; thence to a point. west of the same, two miles distant from the river, measuring at right angles thereto; thence by a line parallel with the Shell River to its mouth and thence crossing the Assiniboine River and running parallel thereto and two miles distant therefrom, and to the westward thereof, to a point opposite Fort Ellice; thence in a south-westwardly course to the northwestern point of the Moose Mountains; thence by a line due south to the United States frontier; thence by the frontier eastwardly to the westward line of said tract ceded by treaty as aforesaid; thence bounded thereby by the west, northwest and north lines of said tract, to the place of beginning, at the mouth of Winnipeg River."

The terms respecting allotments of land, presents and annuities were same as Treaty Number One.

All the Indians included within the treaty limits, with one exception - the Portage band - were summoned to the conferences and assented to the terms. The omission of the Portage band proved, later, a fruitful source of trouble. In 1870, they had warned off settlers and the Hudson's Bay Company had had to make terms with them for three years for the admission of settlers. In 1874, they endeavoured to prevent the conclusion of Treaty "Number Four" by sending a message that "the white man had not kept his promises." To obtain their adhesion to the treaty, (Number Two), the Commissioners gave them preferential treatment. In addition to the 160 acres per family of five, they conceded them "a further tract enclosing said reserve, to contain an equivalent to twenty-five square miles in breadth, to be laid out around the reserve." Under this clause they claimed nearly half the province of Manitoba . In 1876, an agreement was arrived at and, as the original band had divided into three, reserves were assigned to each.

When Treaties Number One and Number Two were made, certain verbal promises were made to the Indians but were not included in the treaty nor recognized by the Dominion Government. On April 30, 1875, an Order in Council was passed which authorized the distribution of the agricultural implements, etc., promised by the Commissioners. It also authorized the increase of the annual payments from $3 per head to $5. This was accepted by the bands who were parties to Treaties Number One and Number Two.

The North-west Angle Treaty, or Number Three, was concluded October 3, 1873, with Saulteaux (Chippewa) of northwestern Ontario and of Manitoba . It extinguished the Indian title to the following tract:

"Commencing at a point on the Pigeon River route where the international boundary line between the Territories of Great Britain and the United States intersects the height of land separating the waters running to Lake Superior from those flowing to Lake Winnipeg; thence northerly, westerly and easterly along the height of land aforesaid, following its sinuosities, whatever their course may be, to the point at which the said height of land meets the summit of the watershed from which the streams flow to Lake Nepigon; thence northerly and westerly, or whatever may be its course, along the ridge separating the waters of the Nepigon [sic] and the Winnipeg to the height of land dividing the waters of the Albany and the Winnipeg; thence westerly and northwesterly along the height of land dividing the waters flowing to Hudson's Bay by the Albany or other rivers from those running to English River and the Winnipeg to a point on the said height of land bearing north forty-five degrees east from Fort Alexander, at the mouth of the Winnipeg; thence south forty-five degrees west to Fort Alexander, at the mouth of the Winnipeg; thence southerly along the eastern bank of the Winnipeg to the mouth of White Mouth River; then southerly by the line described as in that part forming the eastern boundary of the tract surrendered by the Chippewa and Swampy Cree tribes of Indians to Her Majesty on the third of August, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, namely, by White Mouth River to White Mouth Lake, and thence on a line having the general bearing of White Mouth River to the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude; thence by the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude to the Lake of the Woods, and from thence by the international boundary line to the place of beginning."

For the surrender of this tract, comprising about 55,000 sq. miles, the Dominion Government covenanted to reserve not more than one square mile for each family of five, "or in that proportion for larger or smaller families", to pay $12 per head and an annuity of $5 per head, each Chief to receive $25 per annum and each subordinate officer, $15 per annum.

The Qu'Appelle Treaty, or Number Four, was concluded September 15, 1874, at Fort Qu'Appelle with Cree, Saulteaux (Chippewa) and other Indians. They surrendered all their rights, titles and privileges in the following tract, and elsewhere:

"Commencing at a point on the United States frontier due south of the northwestern point of the Moose Mountains, thence due north to said point of said Mountains; thence in a north-easterly course to a point two miles due west of Fort Ellice; thence in a line parallel with and two miles westward from the Assiniboine River to the mouth of the Shell River; thence parallel to the said river and two miles distant therefrom to its source; thence in a straight line to a point on the western shore of Lake Winnipegosis, due west from the most northern extremity of Waterhen Lake; thence east to the centre of Lake Winnipegosis; thence northwardly, through the middle of the said lake (including Birch Island), to the mouth of Red Deer River; thence westwardly and south-westwardly along and including the said Red Deer River and its lakes, Red Deer and Etoimaini, to the source of its western branch; thence in a straight line to the source of the northern branch of the Qu'Appelle; thence along and including said stream to the forks near Long Lake; thence along and including the valley of the west branch of the Qu'Appelle to the South Saskatchewan; thence along and including said river to the mouth of Maple Creek [now called Ross Creek]; thence southwardly along said creek to a point opposite the western extremity of the Cypress Hills; thence due south to the international boundary; thence east along said boundary to the place of commencement."

The terms respecting annuities, gratuities and reserves were same as in Treaty Number Three.

In 1875, the Chippewa, Cree and Assiniboin who had not been present at Qu'Appelle gave their adhesion to the treaty. In the same year, a treaty was concluded with the Fort Ellice Chippewa. They were within the bounds of Treaty Number Two but, owing to their distance from Manitoba House, had not been treated with when that treaty was made.

The Winnipeg Treaty, or Number Five, was signed September 20, 1875. It comprehends an area of approximately 100,000 sq. miles inhabited by Chippewa and Swampy Cree (Maskegon) of Manitoba and Ontario . The tract surrendered is defined as follows:

"Commencing at the north corner or junction of Treaties Numbers One and Three; thence easterly along the boundary of Treaty Number Three to the "Height of Land" at the north-east corner of the said treaty limits, a point dividing the waters of the Albany and Winnipeg Rivers; thence due north along the said "Height of Land" to a point intersected by the 53° of north latitude; and thence north-westerly to "Favourable Lake"; thence following the east shore of said lake to its northern limit; thence north-westerly to the north end of Lake Winnipegosis; thence westerly to the "Height of Land" called "Robinson's Portage"; thence north-westerly to the east end of "Cross Lake"; thence north-westerly" [should read north-easterly] crossing "Foxes Lake"; thence, north-westerly to the north end of "Split Lake"; thence south-westerly to "Pipestone Lake", on "Burntwood River"; thence south-westerly to the western point of "John Scott's Lake"; thence south-westerly to the north shore of "Beaver Lake"; thence south-westerly to the west end of "Cumberland Lake"; thence due south to the "Saskatchewan River"; thence due south to the north-west corner of the northern limits of Treaty Number Four, including all territory within the said limits, and all islands on all lakes within the said limits, as above described; and it being also understood that in all cases where lakes form the treaty limits, ten miles from the shore of the lake should be included in the treaty."

The terms of the treaty were identical with those of Treaties Number Three and Number Four except that only 180 acres, and, in some cases, 100 acres, were granted to each family of five. The gratuity was only $5 per head. It was agreed that $500 annually, should be expended for ammunition and twine for nets.

In the years 1908, 1909 and 1910 adhesions were obtained to Treaty Number Five. The Indians north and east of lake Winnipeg, and at forts Churchill and York on Hudson bay , ceded 133,400 square miles as follows:

"All that portion of the North West Territories of Canada comprised within the following limits, that is to say: Commencing where the sixtieth parallel of latitude intersects the water's edge of the West shore of Hudson Bay, thence West along the said parallel to the Northeast corner of the Province of Saskatchewan, thence south along the East boundary of the said Province to the Northerly limit of the Indian treaty number Five, thence North Easterly, then South Easterly, then South Westerly and again South Easterly following the northerly limit of the said Treaty number Five to the intersection of a line drawn from the North East corner of the Province of Manitoba, North Fifty-five degrees East; thence on the said line produced fifty miles; thence North twenty-five degrees East one hundred and eighty miles more or less to a point situated due South of Cape Tatnam, thence due North ninety-eight miles more or less to the said Cape Tatnam; thence South Westerly and then Northerly following the water's edge of the West shore of Hudson Bay to the point of commencement, together with all the foreshores, and Islands adjacent to the said described tract of land, and containing approximately an area of one hundred and thirty-three thousand four hundred (133,400) square miles."

In August and September 1878, Treaty Number Six was signed at Carlton and at Fort Pitt with the Plain Cree (Paskwawininiwuk) the Wood Cree (Sakawithiniwuk) and 'Assiniboin of the Plains' of Saskatchewan and Alberta . It covered an area of 120,000 sq. miles comprised within the following limits:

"Commencing at the mouth of the river emptying into the north-west angle of Cumberland Lake; thence westerly up the said river to the source; thence on a straight line in a westerly direction to the head of Green Lake; thence northerly to the elbow in the Beaver River; thence down the said river northerly to a point twenty miles from the said elbow; thence in a westerly direction, keeping on a line generally parallel with the said Beaver River (above the elbow), and about twenty miles distant therefrom, to the source of the said river; thence northerly to the north-easterly point of the south shore of Red Deer Lake, [Lac La Biche] continuing westerly along the said shore to the western limit thereof; and thence due west to the Athabaska River; thence up the said river, against the stream, to the Jasper House, in the Rocky Mountains; thence on a course south-eastwardly, following the easterly range of the Mountains, to the source of the main branch of the Red Deer River; thence down the said river, with the stream, to the junction therewith of the outlet of the river, being the outlet of the Buffalo Lake; thence due east twenty miles; thence on a straight line south-eastwardly to the mouth of the said Red Deer River on the south branch of the Saskatchewan River; thence eastwardly and northwardly, following on the boundaries of the tracts concede& by the several Treaties numbered four and five to the place of beginning."

The Indians received reserves on the basis of $40 acres for a family of five. The treaty also provided for a gratuity of $12 each, a payment of $5 each, annually, and certain expenditures for provisions, etc.

On the 11th February, 1889, an important adhesion was made to this Treaty ceding 11,066 square miles as follows:

"Commencing at a point being the northwest corner of projected Township No. 70, Range 10, west of the Third Initial Meridian; thence easterly along the northern boundaries of projected Townships Nos. 70 to the north-east corner of projected Township No. 70, Range 13, west of the Second Initial Meridian; thence southerly following the east boundary of said 13th Range of projected Townships to the northern limits of Treaty No. 6 into the projected Township No. 60; thence westerly following the northerly limit of Treaty No. 6 to the south-eastern shore of Green Lake, being at the north-easterly part of projetted Township No. 58, Range 10, west of the Third Initial Meridian; thence following the westerly shore of Green Lake to the main inlet thereof known as Beaver River; thence up the right bank of Beaver River to its intersection with the west boundary of projected Township No. 62, Range 10, west of the Third Initial Meridian; thence northerly follow­ing the west boundary of projected Townships of Range 10, west of the Third Initial Meridian, to the point of commencement."

The Blackfeet Treaty or Number Seven, was concluded September 22, 1877, with the Blackfeet (Siksika), Bloods (Kainah), Peigan, Sarsi and Stonies (Assiniboin) of Alberta . It covered an area of 35,000 sq. miles, bounded as follows:

"Commencing at a point on the International Boundary due south of the western extremity of the Cypress Hills; thence west along the said boundary to the central range of the Rocky Mountains or to the boundary of the Province of British Columbia; thence north-westerly along the said boundary to a point due west of the source of the main branch of the Red Deer River; thence south-westerly* and southerly following on the boundaries of the tracts ceded by the Treaties Numbered Six and Four to the place of commencement."

The conditions respecting reserves were allotted in more generous proportions, but the gratuities and annuities were same as Treaty Number Three.

In addition to the reserves segregated under the provisions of the foregoing treaties, reserves at Oak River and Birdtail Creek were set apart, in 1874, for a body of United States Sioux who had fled to Canada after the massacres of the whites in Minnesota in 1862. In 1876, another reserve was allotted to them, near Oak Lake , Man.

In June, July and august, 1899, Treaty Number Eight was concluded with the Indians occupying the territory south and west of Great Slave lake . The area covered by this surrender was defined as follows:

"Commencing at the source of the main branch of the Red Deer River in Alberta, thence due west to the central range of the Rocky Mountains, thence northwesterly along the said range to the point where it intersects the 60 th parallel of north latitude, thence east along said parallel to the point where it intersects Hay River, thence northeasterly down said river to the south shore of Great Slave Lake, thence along the said shore northeasterly (and including such rights to the islands in said lakes as the Indians mentioned in the treaty may possess), and thence easterly and northeasterly along the south shores of Christie's Bay and McLeod's Bay to old Fort Reliance near the mouth of Lockhart's River, thence southeasterly in a straight line to and including Black Lake, thence southwesterly up the stream from Cree Lake, thence including said lake southwesterly along the height-of-land between the Athabasca and Churchill Rivers to where it intersects the northern boundary of Treaty Six, and along the said boundary easterly, northerly and southwesterly, to the place of commencement."

The Dominion Government agreed to segregate reserves to the extent of 160 acres to each Indian; to pay gratuities of $32 to each chief, $22 to each headman and $12 to every other Indian and annuities of $25, $15 and $5, respectively. Reserves can be set apart in severalty which condition occurs in only one other Treaty, in Number Ten.

In 1899, 2,217 Indians gave their adhesion: in 1900, 1,106 Indians were admitted, making a total of 3,323. The Indian annuitants under this treaty are classified as follows: 1,161 Crees, 326 Beavers, 1,238 Chipewyans, 282 Slaves, 194 Yellow-knives and 122 Dogribs.

In July and August, 1905, and June, July and August, 1906, the James Bay Treaty, or Number Nine, was concluded with the Indians occupying the portion of Ontario lying to the north of the height-of-land, south of Albany river and east, of the limits of Treaty Number Three.

It extinguished the Indian title to the area described as follows:

"That portion or tract of land lying and being in the province of Ontario, bounded on the south by the height of land and the northern boundaries of the territory ceded by the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850, and the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and bounded on the east and north by the boundaries of the said province of Ontario as defined by law, and on the west. by a part of the eastern boundary of the territory ceded by the Northwest Angle Treaty No. 3; the said land containing an area of ninety thousand square miles, more or less."

It provided for the segregation of reserves in the proportion of 160 acres for each family of five, a gratuity of $8 each and an annuity of $4 each.

An agreement made July 3, 1905, provides that the province of Ontario shall repay to the Dominion amounts disbursed under the provisions of this treaty, for gratuities and annuities.

Treaty Number Ten was concluded in August and September, 1906. It extinguished the Indian title in northern Alberta and northern Saskatchewan . The area included in this treaty is defined as follows:

"All that territory situated partly in the province of Saskatchewan and partly in the province of Alberta, and lying to the east of Treaty Eight and to the north of Treaties Five, Six and the addition to Treaty Six, containing approximately an area of eighty-five thousand eight hundred (85,800) square miles and which may be described as follows: -

"Commencing at the point where the northern boundary of Treaty Five intersects the eastern boundary of the province of Saskatchewan; thence northerly along the said eastern boundary four hundred and ten miles; more or less, to the sixtieth parallel of latitude and northern boundary of the said province of Saskatchewan; thence west along the said parallel one hundred and thirty miles, more or less, to the eastern boundary of Treaty Eight; thence southerly and westerly following the said eastern boundary of Treaty Eight to its intersection with the northern boundary of Treaty Six; thence easterly along the said northern boundary of Treaty Six to its intersection with the western boundary of the addition to Treaty Six; thence northerly along the said western boundary to the northern boundary of the said addition; thence easterly along the said northern boundary to the eastern boundary oft lie said addition; thence southerly along the said eastern boundary to its intersection with the northern boundary of Treaty Six; thence easterly along the said northern boundary and the northern boundary of Treaty Five to the point of commencement."

The terms respecting reserves, gratuities and annuities were same as Treaty Number Eight.

In 1906, 312 Chipewyans and 82 Crees received gratuity and annuity moneys under Treaty Number Ten. In August, 1907, the Barren Land and Lac la Hache bands of Chipewyans gave their adhesions to the treaty. In the Barren Land band 232 were treated with and, in the Lac la Hache band, 97, making a total of 641 Chipewyans and 82 Crees under this treaty.      

[In 1921 Treaty No 11, and in 1923 the Williams Treaties with the Chippewa and the Mississauga Indians were signed; these were not discussed in this page.]

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Source: James WHITE, ed., Handbook of Indians of Canada , Published as an Appendix to the Tenth Report of the Geographic Board of Canada , Ottawa , 1913, 632p., pp. 472-479.