The Indigenous Treaty Map

The Yellowhead Institute has released The Treaty Map, a comprehensive historical overview of land treaties "negotiated" between Indigenous Nations and the Canadian federal government (and previously, with colonial governments and the British Crown). The Institute aims to use the map to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous land rights and the ongoing disputes surrounding these treaties.

The interactive Treaty Map includes an historical timeline control which can be used to filter the treaties by date (1725 – 2012). The treaties can also be filtered by type (or historical period):

1. Pre-Confederation Treaties (1763-1867): Early agreements primarily focused on trade, peace, and military alliances between Indigenous Nations and European settlers, including the Peace and Friendship Treaties and the Royal Proclamation of 1763.


2. Confederation-Era Treaties (1867-1921): Also known as the Numbered Treaties, these were agreements negotiated as Canada expanded westward, aimed at acquiring Indigenous lands in exchange for promises of land reserves, education, and other support.


3. Modern Treaties (1975-Present): Often referred to as Comprehensive Land Claims Agreements, these address land rights in areas where historical treaties were not signed, including notable examples like the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and the Nunavut Agreement.

Clicking on a treaty boundary on the map reveals a summary offering Indigenous perspectives on the treaty’s context, key negotiators, terms (often with differing interpretations), and subsequent events. These entries are informed by extensive research, with input from advisory committees of Indigenous treaty experts.

If you are interested in Indigenous nations and their lands then you might also want to refer to the Native-Land interactive map. This map visualizes information on Indigenous territories, languages, and treaties across the world.

The map is designed to increase awareness and education about Indigenous histories, territories, and the diversity of Indigenous cultures, encouraging users to consider the ongoing significance of land acknowledgment and Indigenous land rights.