Treaty 10 Flag

Description

Treaty 10, signed in 1906, covers parts of Saskatchewan and Alberta. The treaty involved the Crown and the Cree and Chipewyan peoples, focusing on resource access and settlement. Provisions for education and livelihood support were included.  Indigenous signatories sought to protect their way of life, though differing interpretations of the treaty terms have caused lasting tensions.

The Treaty 10 flag was designed in the early 21st century, particularly around 2018. The flag was created to reflect the unique identity and historical significance of the treaty area, signed in 1906. The design was led by Arliss Coulineur, a community member who was inspired by the Treaty 6 flag and felt a need for a flag to represent Treaty 10. It was officially presented during the Treaty 10 Gathering in 2018, and its creation symbolized a commitment to the ongoing relationship between the Indigenous peoples of Treaty 10 and the Crown.

The flag components include:

• Treaty 10 (1906-1907): The flag includes the treaty number and dates to maintain consistency with other treaty flags. Treaty 10 is unique because it was signed over two years. The lily, Saskatchewan’s provincial flower, symbolizes the province, while the white spruce above 1907 represents Manitoba’s provincial tree.
• Medicine Wheel: The sacred hoop in the center of the flag reflects the balance of life. Each direction represents an aspect of northern life:
  • North (Moose Tracks): Hunting, symbolizing the moose as a vital food source.
  • East (Pickerel): Fishing, an important source of sustenance in the north.
  • South (Beaver): Trapping, a key livelihood and trade practice.
  • West (Blueberries): Gathering, representing shared family time and preparation for long winters.
    These elements honor the Chiefs’ desire to protect their way of life through the treaty.
• Eagle Feathers: Seven feathers represent the First Nations who signed Treaty 10. The eagle feather is a common symbol in treaty flags, representing strength and honor. Each feather contains a tree, signifying the connection to the land and the Woodland People.
• Canoe and Paddle: The canoe and paddle were essential for transportation in the north, used by both Indigenous peoples and treaty negotiators. They also form an “X,” a significant symbol from historical treaty signings.
• Syllabics: The Cree syllabic phrase ᐅᐢᑌᓯᒫᐘᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᐣ “ostêsimâwasinahikan” (treaty, constitution) is included, along with the Denesuline language. This representation of language and identity is unique to this flag and reflects the diversity of the Treaty 10 signatories.

This flag design is rich in cultural symbolism, honoring the values, traditions, and sovereignty of the First Nations involved in Treaty 10.

Additional information