Hatchet Lake, also known by its French name Lac la Hache, is primarily associated with Treaty 10.
Connection to Treaty 10
The Denesuline (Dënesųłłiné) people of Lac la Hache became signatories to Treaty 10 through an adhesion. An adhesion refers to the process where an Indigenous group, not originally part of the initial treaty signing, later agrees to its terms and becomes a party to it.
Key details of this historical event include:
- Date of Adhesion Negotiation: August 19, 1907
- Location: Lac du Brochet, situated on the north end of Reindeer Lake
- Negotiator: Commissioner Borthwick met with the Denesuline of Lac la Hache (Hatchet Lake) to facilitate their adhesion.
Understanding Treaty 10
Treaty 10 is one of the numbered treaties signed between the Canadian Crown and various Indigenous peoples, predominantly Cree and Dene communities, in what is now northern Saskatchewan and a small portion of eastern Alberta. It was negotiated in 1906, with subsequent adhesions in the years that followed.
Purpose of Treaty 10:
Like other numbered treaties, Treaty 10 aimed to:
- Secure land for agricultural settlement and resource development for the Crown.
- Define specific rights for First Nations, including reserves, hunting and fishing rights, educational provisions, and annuities.
Key Aspects of Treaty 10
| Treaty Name | Geographic Region Covered | Primary Indigenous Signatories | Year Signed (Main Agreement) | Associated Communities (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treaty 10 | Northern Saskatchewan, Eastern Alberta | Cree, Denesuline (Dene) | 1906 | Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation |
- Impact on Indigenous Peoples: For the Denesuline and other First Nations, the treaties had profound and lasting effects, fundamentally altering traditional ways of life and governance structures. While they provided certain protections and resources, they also led to significant land cessions and cultural disruption.
- Modern Context: Today, Treaty 10 continues to be a foundational document in the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown, influencing land claims, resource management, and self-determination efforts. Understanding these treaties is crucial for comprehending the historical and contemporary landscape of Indigenous rights in Canada.
For more information on Treaty 10 and its historical context, you can refer to reputable sources such as The Canadian Encyclopedia's entry on Treaty 10.
[[Treaty 10]]
