Treaties did not “surrender or cede land”. In the understanding of Indigenous people they are considered sacred agreements between Nations, which covered more than just a transfer of territory.
Treaties, while sometimes written over 100 to 200 years ago, are living partnerships and relevant documents today. Canadians are asked to learn about treaties and engage with Indigenous communities, embracing “We are all Treaty People” in an effort to better understand the partnership we have on shared land. Treaties represent promises made to Indigenous Nations that, in many cases, are simply not kept.