Robinson Treaties facts for kids

The Robinson Treaties are two important agreements signed in 1850 between Ojibwe chiefs and the British Crown (the government of Canada at the time). These treaties happened in a place called Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, which is in the Province of Canada (what is now Ontario).

The first treaty, signed on September 7, 1850, was with Ojibwe chiefs living along the northern shore of Lake Superior. It's known as the Robinson Superior Treaty.

Just two days later, on September 9, 1850, the second treaty was signed. This one involved Ojibwe chiefs from the eastern and northern shores of Lake Huron. This agreement is called the Robinson Huron Treaty.

It's important to know that the Wiikwemkoong First Nation did not sign either of these treaties. Their land is still considered "unceded," meaning it was never officially given up to the Crown. Later, other agreements like the Saugeen Surrenders (1854) and the Pennefather Treaty (1859) changed parts of these original treaties.

What Was the Robinson Superior Treaty?

The Robinson Superior Treaty was signed on September 7, 1850. It took place in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This treaty was between the Ojibwe chiefs who lived along the northern shore of Lake Superior, from Pigeon River to Batchawana Bay, and the British Crown.

The Crown's representative for this treaty was William Benjamin Robinson. This agreement is officially known as Crown Treaty Number 60.

What Was the Robinson Huron Treaty?

The Robinson Huron Treaty was signed on September 9, 1850, also in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This treaty involved Ojibwe chiefs from the northern shore of Lake Superior (from Batchawana Bay to Sault Ste. Marie) and chiefs from the eastern and northern shores of Lake Huron (from Sault Ste. Marie to Penetanguishene).

Like the first treaty, William Benjamin Robinson represented the British Crown. This treaty is officially called Crown Treaty Number 61.

What Land Was Shared?

In the Robinson Huron Treaty, the Ojibwe leaders agreed to share a large area of land with the Crown. This included all their rights to the described territory, along with islands in the lakes and land stretching inland to the "Height of land." This "Height of land" was the boundary between the Hudson's Bay Company's territory and Canada.

However, certain areas were kept by the Ojibwe. These were called "reservations." The treaty also stated that the Ojibwe would receive a one-time payment of about £2,160 (which was a lot of money in 1850!). After that, each group of Ojibwe people (called a "band") would get an annual payment of £600.

Special Areas for First Nations

The Robinson Huron Treaty set aside specific areas of land for different Ojibwe bands. These were their "reservations." Here are some of the areas that were reserved:

• Pamequonaishcung and his Band: A piece of land near the Maganetawang River.
• Wagemake and his Band: Land at a place called Nekickshegeshing.
• Kitcheposkissegan (by Papasainse): Land from Point Grondine westward, including a small lake.
• Wabakekik: Land near Shebawenaning.
• Namassin and Naoquagabo and their Bands: Land near Qacloche, extending to the Spanish River.
• Shawenakishick and his Band: Land between the Whitefish River and Wanabitaseke.
• Windawtegawinini and his Band: The peninsula east of Serpent River.
• Ponekeosh and his Band: Land between the Mississaga River and the Penebewabecong River.
• Dokis and his Band: Land near Lake Nipissing and an island.
• Shabokishick and his Band: Land from their planting grounds on Lake Nipissing to the Hudson Bay Company's post.
• Tagawinini and his Band: Land at Wanabitibing, inland near Lake Nipissing.
• Keokouse and his Band: Land from Thessalon River eastward.
• Mishequanga and his Band: Land on the lake shore east and west of Ogawaminang.
• Shinguacouse and his Band: Land from Maskinongé Bay to Partridge Point, including Squirrel Island.
• Nebenaigoching and his Band: Land from Wanabekineyunnung west of Gros Cap, including Batchewanaung Bay, and a small island at Sault Ste. Marie.
• Chief Mekis and his Band: Land on the main shore opposite Wasaquesing (Sandy Island).
• Chief Muckatamishaquet and his Band: Land on the east side of the Naishconteong River and in Washauwenega Bay.

Understanding Reserve Sizes

When the treaty was signed, the First Nations leaders were not familiar with the unit of a mile. They thought a "mile" was much larger, more like a league. This meant the reserves they were given, which were about 16 square miles, were much smaller than what they expected.

As soon as this misunderstanding was noticed, the First Nations told the Crown about the problem. Surveyors then corrected the size for most reserves. However, some reserves, like the Gull Bay First Nation's, were considered too far away to fix at the time. Because of this, the Gull Bay First Nation officially filed a claim with the Canadian government in 2016 to address the size of their reserve.

What Were the Saugeen Surrenders?

The Saugeen Surrenders are another important agreement, sometimes included with the Robinson Treaties. This agreement, also called the Surrender of the Saugeen Peninsula, was signed on October 13, 1854. It took place at Saugeen.

This treaty was between Ojibwe chiefs living on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula, led by Chief Waabadik, and the British Crown. Laurence Oliphant represented the Crown. This agreement is known as Crown Treaty Number 72. Even though William Benjamin Robinson didn't negotiate it, it's often discussed alongside the Robinson Treaties.

Why Were the Saugeen Lands Shared?

The Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway Territory at first did not want to give up their land in the Saugeen and Owen Sound areas. Negotiations with the British government were difficult. Eventually, the British government warned that if the Ojibwe didn't agree, the Crown might not be able to protect them from European settlers moving into the area.

After tough discussions, the Ojibwe reluctantly agreed to share their reserve. In return, they would receive money from the sale of the land. Five smaller reserves were set aside for them forever:

• Saugeen Tract
• Chief's Point
• Owen Sound
• Cape Croker
• Colpoy's Bay

A historical marker near Allenford, Ontario, explains that in July 1855, a meeting called the "Allenford Pow-Wow" helped solve a disagreement about the Saugeen treaty's boundaries. The Ojibwe believed "Copway's Road" was the boundary, which gave them more land along Lake Huron. The government agreed, which helped reduce tensions.

Today, the lands from these agreements are managed by two First Nations:

What Was the Pennefather Treaty?

The Pennefather Treaty was signed on June 9, 1859, at Gros Cap. This agreement was between the "Chiefs and Warriors of Batchewananny Bay and Goulais Bay Band of Indians" and the Crown.

In this treaty, the chiefs agreed to give up some of the reserved lands that had been set aside for them in the Robinson Treaty (specifically Reserve 15). They kept Whitefish Island. In return, the Crown would sell the land, and the money earned from the sales would be given to the band members each year. Each family could also receive 40 acres of land on the Garden River reserve. They could also buy 80 acres of the land being sold at the selling price, with certain conditions. The bands also received a one-time payment of $1,200, and any improvements they had made to the lands being sold would be paid for after a survey.

First Nations Connected to the Robinson Treaties

Many First Nations communities today are connected to the Robinson Treaties and the Saugeen Surrenders. Here is a list of some of them: