Saugeen Tract Agreement facts for kids

The Saugeen Tract Agreement, also known as Crown Treaty Number 451⁄2, was an important agreement signed on August 9, 1836. This treaty was made between the Saugeen Ojibwa and Ottawa Indigenous peoples and the government of Upper Canada. It involved a large amount of land in what is now Ontario, Canada.

What Was the Saugeen Tract Agreement?

The Saugeen Tract Agreement was a formal deal, or treaty, about land. It was signed by representatives of the Saugeen Ojibwa and Ottawa nations and the government of Upper Canada. This agreement gave a huge area of land to the government. In return, the Indigenous peoples received a promise of help and protection.

Who Was Involved in the Treaty?

The main groups involved were the Saugeen Ojibwa and Ottawa peoples. These are Indigenous nations who lived on the land. The other party was the government of Upper Canada. This was a British colony that existed before Canada became a country.

Sir Francis Bond Head's Role

Sir Francis Bond Head was a key person in these talks. He was the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada at the time. He used a special event, where the government gave gifts to the Ojibwa and Ottawa, to discuss the treaty. This meeting helped him negotiate the agreement.

Where and When Did the Agreement Happen?

The Saugeen Tract Agreement was signed on August 9, 1836. The discussions and signing took place on Manitoulin Island. This island is located in Lake Huron, a large freshwater lake in North America.

The Saugeen Peninsula

The land involved in the treaty was the Saugeen Peninsula. Today, this area is known as the Bruce Peninsula. It is a large piece of land that sticks out into Lake Huron. It is known for its beautiful natural areas.

What Was Exchanged in the Treaty?

The agreement involved a trade of land for promises. The Ojibwa and Ottawa of Saugeen gave up a very large area of their traditional lands. This land measured about 1.5 million acres, which is roughly 6,070 square kilometers. To give you an idea, that's a huge amount of land, bigger than many cities!

The Promise in Return

In exchange for this vast territory, the Ojibwa and Ottawa of Saugeen received a promise. The government of Upper Canada promised to help and protect Indigenous peoples. This protection was for those who chose to live on the Bruce Peninsula. This meant they were giving up a lot of land for a promise of future support.

Why Was This Treaty Important?

The Saugeen Tract Agreement is an important part of Canadian history. It shows how land was acquired by the government from Indigenous peoples. It also highlights the different ways treaties were made and the impact they had. This treaty, like many others, had a lasting effect on the lives and lands of Indigenous communities.