Treaty 8

Treaty No. 8, negotiated in June of 1899, covers an area over 840,000 square kilometres in size encompassing one half of Northern Alberta, a quarter of British Columbia and parts of Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.

Prior to 1899, Canada had negotiated treaties with other native groups in order to clear land for settlement and secure natural resources. Following the discovery of gold in the Yukon, Canada expedited plans to make a Treaty with the Indians of the Athabasca region in order to ensure safe passage for miners travelling through the area.

Under the Treaty, Aboriginal signatories agreed to share their traditional territory with settlers in exchange for financial compensation, protection of traditional livelihoods, and numerous other benefits.

Additional information on the Treaty may be found on the following websites:

General Treaty 8 Information:

Treaty 8 Historical Documents:

DIAND Treaty 8 Research Report:

Treaty 8 Images (Treaty Commission and Proceedings):