Treaty 1 Flag

Description

Located in present-day southern Manitoba, Treaty 1 was the first of the Numbered Treaties, signed in 1871. Negotiated between the Crown, represented by Wemyss M. Simpson as commissioner, and seven First Nations, including the Anishinaabe and Swampy Cree, the treaty aimed to formalize the transfer of land to the Crown for settlement and development. In return, First Nations were promised reserve lands, annual payments, and support for farming tools and education.

For Indigenous signatories, the treaty was a means to ensure their survival amid the rapid encroachment of settlers and changing land use. However, misunderstandings over the terms—particularly the concept of land cession—have led to long-standing disputes. Indigenous leaders often viewed the agreement as a partnership, not a surrender.

The legacy of Treaty 1 continues to influence discussions about reconciliation, resource sharing, and Indigenous self-governance in Canada.

The Treaty 1 flag was first designed in 2021 as part of the 150th anniversary commemoration of Treaty 1, which was signed in 1871. The design was a collaborative effort involving Treaty 1 First Nations to honor the treaty’s legacy and to symbolize the enduring relationship between the First Nations and the Crown.

The flag incorporates elements reflecting the cultural heritage, traditions, and sovereignty of the Treaty 1 nations, emphasizing their resilience and continued connection to the land. It serves as a modern representation of the treaty’s ongoing significance in addressing reconciliation, land rights, and self-determination.

Additional information