Where can I find historic First Nations Treaty information?

Last revised June 22, 2022

Before Confederation, the Dominion of Canada signed treaties with First Nations. Since Confederation, the Government of Canada continues to negotiate treaties.

The Historic Treaty Information website contains historical research reports, images, maps, bibliographies and other resources pertaining to the more than 70 historic treaties negotiated between 1701 and 1923.  It also includes information on Treaty Annuity Payments and timelines and maps illustrating the evolution of Canada through treaty-making between 1867 and 1999.

The following is a list of publications in Courthouse Libraries BC that contain historic treaties and documents:

1. British Columbia. Papers Connected with the Indian Land Question, 1850-1875. Victoria: Queen's Printer, 1987; reprint Victoria: Queen's Printer, 1875. (available in the Vancouver Courthouse Library)
2. Canada. Indian and Northern Affairs Department. Indian Treaties: Numbered Treaties, Jay Treaty, Robinson Treaty and Treaties of 1923. Ottawa: Queen's Printer, 1957-1978. (available in the Vancouver Courthouse Library)
3. Canada. Indian Treaties and Surrenders. Saskatoon: Fifth House Publishers, 1992; reprint, Ottawa: Queen's Printer, 1891. (Available in most BC Courthouse libraries)
4. Cummings, Peter A. and Neil H. Mickenberg, co-editors. Native Rights in Canada. 2nd edition. Toronto: Indian-Eskimo Association of Canada, 1972. (available in most BC Courthouse libraries)
5. Madill, Dennis. British Columbia Indian Treaties in Historical Perspective. Ottawa: Indian and Northern Affairs, 1981. (available in the Vancouver Courthouse Library)
6. Smith, Derek G., editor. Canadian Indians and the Law: Selected Documents, 1663-1972. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1975. (available in most BC Courthouse libraries)