Indigenous and settler understandings of the Manitoulin Island Treaties of 1836 (Treaty 45) and 1862

Abstract

This work explores the insights that can be gained from an investigation of the shared terms of the Manitoulin Island treaties of 1836 (Treaty 45) and 1862. I focus specifically on these treaties because I was raised in proximity to this area. This thesis is very much a personal exploration in the sense that I have come to understand myself as implicated in a treaty relationship and wish to know my obligations under these agreements. In my interpretation of the Manitoulin Island treaties, I employ a strategy developed by Dr. Michael Asch that begins with the Indigenous understandings. Within this strategy, treaties are conceptualized as honourable agreements meant to ensure our legitimate presence on this land. This methodology is unique in the sense that it conceives of our representatives' actions as sincere. This step is necessary because Indigenous peoples believed we were acting honourably during negotiations. In applying this strategy in my reading of the Manitoulin Island treaties, my objective is to discern the treaty relationship that was established, and to state clearly the obligations of both parties under these agreements. Though the primary focus of this thesis is my analysis of the treaties, I briefly discuss in my conclusion the anthropological insights I have gained from this exercise with respect to communication across cultures. Throughout this work, I focus on the concept of sharing as a productive and positive framework for thinking about relationships between cultures.