Treaty 8 Tribal Association facts for kids
The Treaty 8 Tribal Association (often called T8TA) is a group made up of six out of eight First Nations communities. These communities are located in the Peace River Country area of northeastern British Columbia. All of them signed an important agreement called Treaty 8. The T8TA was formed so these First Nations could work together to talk with the governments of British Columbia and Canada. They do this outside of the usual British Columbia Treaty Process, which is another way First Nations and governments discuss land and rights.
The T8TA was officially started in 1982 under a law called the BC Societies Act. Most of its money comes from the Canadian government, specifically from the department known as Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. This department works with Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Who Are the Members?
The Treaty 8 Tribal Association includes several First Nations communities. These communities work together to protect their rights and interests, especially concerning Treaty 8.
- Doig River First Nation – This community is located northeast of Fort St. John, BC.
- Fort Nelson First Nation – Their home is in Fort Nelson, BC.
- Halfway River First Nation – This community is found northwest of Fort St. John, BC.
- Prophet River First Nation – They are located south of Fort Nelson, BC.
- Saulteau First Nations – Their community is near Chetwynd, BC.
- West Moberly First Nations – This community is in the Peace River Country in northern BC.
What is Treaty 8?
Treaty 8 is one of the historic agreements, known as "Numbered Treaties," signed between the Canadian Crown (the government) and various First Nations. It was signed in 1899 and covers a very large area of land. This area includes parts of what are now northern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories.
The treaties were meant to share the land and resources. However, there have been different understandings of what the treaties meant. For First Nations, the treaties were about sharing the land while keeping their traditional ways of life and rights. For the government, they were often seen as a way to gain land for settlement and resource development.
Why is the T8TA Important?
The Treaty 8 Tribal Association helps its member First Nations work together on common goals. They often deal with issues related to their treaty rights, land use, and how natural resources are developed in their traditional territories. By working as a group, they have a stronger voice when talking with governments and companies. This helps them protect their culture, land, and future for their communities.
See Also
- List of tribal councils in British Columbia
