1. Community, Culture & Heritage
  2. Cultural Diversity
  3. Indigenous Initiatives
  4. First Nations and Métis Lands and Relationships
  5. Honouring Treaty

Honouring Treaty

Bike Racks

The Numbered Treaties

Treaty 6 Territory represents the area surrounding what is now called Saskatoon. Acknowledging the appropriate Treaty territory is important in formal settings to affirm the Treaty relationship in the spirit of Reconciliation.

In 1763, the British Royal Proclamation recognized First Nations across Turtle Island (what is now Canada) as sovereign peoples with inherent rights who are not subjects of the Crown. It proclaimed that only the Crown could negotiate Treaties with First Nations, and that Treaty agreements must precede the acquisition or purchase of their land. Following the confederation of Canada in 1867, the Numbered Treaties enabled western expansion and led to the creation of the prairie provinces.

First Nations leadership viewed the Numbered Treaties as sacred, enduring covenants that would preserve their inherent rights and ways of life, outline mutual responsibilities, and help their communities prepare for the future. Treaty negotiations included much more context than the written versions contain, and First Nations’ oral histories describe a deep spirt and intent of Treaties to share land, governance, and stewardship “for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.” Visit Office of the Treaty Commissioner for more information on the Numbered Treaties.

Treaty Land Entitlement

Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) is a process used by the Federal and Provincial governments to resolve outstanding obligations to First Nations who did not receive all the Reserve land to which they were entitled under Treaty. In Saskatchewan, the 1992 TLE Framework Agreement has enabled First Nations to purchase land and transfer it to Reserve status.

Some First Nations have received specific sums of money for the purpose of purchasing land on the open market, which could then become Reserve land. Most of that land is agricultural, but a small portion is urban. The City of Saskatoon welcomes these investments in the city and the region, which support the economic, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of the entire community. More information regarding treaty land entitlement can be found using our TLE Brochure.