Overview
In this LE, learners are asked to reflect on and then connect two primary statements related to Treaty Education, one from the 1752-53 treaty and one from today:
- “…their heirs and the heirs of their heirs forever” (1752–53).
- “We Are All Treaty People” (2010+).
The primary goal is for learners to understand that the Mi’kmaq and British Crown negotiated an agreement for which the Mi’kmaq and all Canadians are still responsible. While many treaties today have given timelines and expire without renewals by set deadlines, the 18th century treaties were agreed upon in perpetuity.
Learners will...
- See themselves as part of the 18th century treaty relationship between the Mi’kmaq and the British Crown.
- Understand that while some treaties have set time frames, the 18th century treaties between the Mi’kmaq and the British Crown were intended to be unending.
- Understand that the Crown, now represented by the Government of Canada, and the Mi’kmaq have a responsibility to each other to honour the treaties today and in the future, including the learners themselves.
Focus
This LE requires a brief introduction about the origins of these statements, which are included in the supplementary materials. Each statement is formatted on an 11×17 worksheet for printing. Learners will use these worksheets to reflect on what the quotes mean. The sheets are designed to serve as spaces for creative thought and expression, so learners can either write or draw their reflections however they choose.
Reflections might include: I’m an heir to the treaties? Cool! What kind of a treaty person will I be? I never realized I have a connection to the treaties! Sentiments of confusion and/or awe can be expected as well. These are big ideas and learners may find it unusual or uncomfortable to see how directly they are tied to history.
The goal is for learners to articulate how these two statements relate to each other, and how the statements relate to the learners themselves. Learners may consider what they think the treaty relationship will look like when they are grown up. Completed worksheets can create a rich and meaningful bulletin board display.
PE!
It is important that learners have a clear understanding of the following content:
- The Mi’kmaq as the indigenous people of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region.
- Mi’kma’kik as the ancestral homeland of the Mi’kmaq.
- What a treaty is. (See What is a Treaty? introduction and LE T1)
- An understanding that the Peace and Friendship Treaties were signed between the Mi’kmaq and the British in the 18th century. (See Treaty-Making introduction and LE T6)
Teacher Tip
Educators who reviewed this Learning Experience suggested that a definition of heirs would be helpful:
An heir is a person who will legally receive a benefit (e.g., money, property, or title) and/or a responsibility (e.g., care or custody of a loved one) from another person when that other person dies. Usually the person receiving the benefit and/or responsibility is a relative. In the context of treaties, rights and responsibilities are passed onto the next generation.
LE Materials
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