A Lasting Relationship: The Spirit and Intent of Treaties

Because the treaties were negotiated from within two worldviews and two knowledge systems, one which was oral and one which was written, it is important to understand the spirit and intent of the treaties. This lengthy excerpt taken from the Treaty Essential Learnings: We Are All Treaty People(1) addresses the lasting relationship between First Nations peoples and newcomers:

In their description of the relationship forged by treaties, First Nations peoples emphasized that they expected the treaty partners to come together regularly to discuss matters of mutual concern. While circumstances and issues might change, the basic commitment to respect each other and to help one another was expected to endure as long as the sun shines and the rivers flow.