Slavey, Chipewyan, Cree, Anishinaabe, Beaver

Treaty 8, comprising 39 Indigenous nations and 840,000 square kilometers—the largest land area treaty in Canada—was first signed on June 21, 1899, between the federal government and the Cree from the Lesser Slave Lake area. Thirteen additional nations became signatories by 1900, but because so many people were living in isolated territories, signatories continue today.

As the government wanted to begin resource extraction, railway construction and settlement, Treaty negotiations were initiated to divest Indigenous peoples’ title to land. Treaty 8 was developed with the Indigenous people and a commission was designed to distribute Métis scrip. Neither the Cree nor the Chipewyan wanted to be restricted to a particular land base; they wanted the ability to move freely throughout the territory. However, the government made oral promises to them for healthcare, tax exemptions, and immunity from military conscriptions, with access to land, game and resources forevermore.

After Treaty 7 was signed in 1877, the federal government became hesitant to enter into other treaty agreements. However, as the government started to become aware of the vast petroleum and other mineral resources, including the Yukon gold rush, there was an imminent desire to establish law, order and Canadian sovereignty. 

Following the North-West Rebellion in 1885, several Métis settled in what would become northern Alberta, causing a level of concern and uncertainty within the government. In 1898, after the influx of American miners who were having a negative impact on the Indigenous and Métis hunting and trapping activities, the government began Treaty negotiations.