The Robinson Superior Treaty is a historic agreement signed in 1850 between the Crown, represented by W.B. Robinson, and nine Ojibwa chiefs and head men. This pivotal treaty involved the surrender of vast traditional Indigenous territories along the northern shore of Lake Superior to the Crown, in exchange for annuities and the continued recognition of certain traditional rights.
Key Aspects of the Treaty
The Robinson Superior Treaty, alongside the Robinson Huron Treaty signed the same year, represents a significant moment in the history of treaty-making in Canada, laying the groundwork for how Indigenous lands were to be managed and settled for resource extraction and European expansion.
Parties Involved
- Crown Representative: W.B. Robinson
- Indigenous Signatories: Nine Ojibwa chiefs and head men, representing various Anishinaabeg communities.
Territory Surrendered
Under the terms of the treaty, the Ojibwa surrendered a substantial portion of their traditional territory. This area extended approximately 400 miles along the shore of Lake Superior, from Batchawana Bay in the east to the Pigeon River in the west. The territory also stretched northward to the height of land that delineates the Great Lakes drainage area, marking a significant transfer of land.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date Signed | September 7, 1850 |
| Location | Michipicoten, Ontario (though negotiations occurred at various points) |
| Purpose | To allow for mining and settlement by the Crown in the region, while providing for the Indigenous inhabitants. |
| Key Provisions | Land Surrender: Ojibwa surrendered a vast tract of land. Annuities: In exchange for the land, the Ojibwa received a lump sum payment and annual payments (annuities) from the Crown. Reserved Rights: The Ojibwa retained the right to hunt and fish over the surrendered territory, subject to the "pleasure of Her Majesty" and the lands not being "required or taken up for settlement, mining, lumbering or other purposes." Reserves: Specific parcels of land (reserves) were set aside for the exclusive use of the Ojibwa communities. |
| Indigenous Groups | Anishinaabeg (Ojibwa) communities of the Lake Superior region. |
Historical Context and Significance
The mid-19th century saw increasing European settlement and the discovery of mineral wealth, particularly copper and silver, in the Lake Superior region. The Crown sought to secure legal title to these lands to facilitate mining and lumbering operations and to accommodate a growing settler population. The Robinson Superior Treaty, along with the Robinson Huron Treaty, were among the first of Canada's post-Confederation numbered treaties that established the framework for land cessions across vast territories.
The annuities promised in the treaty were a form of ongoing payment, meant to be a perpetual recognition of the land surrender. However, the exact interpretation and fulfillment of these terms have been subjects of ongoing discussion and legal challenges.
Enduring Legacy
The Robinson Superior Treaty is not merely a historical document; it remains a living agreement that shapes relations between Indigenous communities and the Crown in the Lake Superior region today. The treaty established reserves for the signatory communities and affirmed their right to hunt and fish, rights that continue to be asserted and protected. Modern interpretations often focus on the spirit and intent of the treaty, particularly regarding shared access to resources and the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty.
For more detailed information, you can explore resources such as The Canadian Encyclopedia's entry on the Robinson Superior Treaty.
