What Treaty is Cumberland House?

Cumberland House is primarily associated with Treaty 5.

The historic community of Cumberland House, located in what is now Saskatchewan, has a significant connection to the Canadian Numbered Treaties. Specifically, the Indigenous people of this region, the Cumberland House Cree, became signatories to Treaty 5 through an adhesion process.

Historical Context and Adhesion to Treaty 5

The signing of the Numbered Treaties was a series of agreements made between the Canadian Crown and various Indigenous peoples, predominantly in Western Canada, from 1871 to 1921. These treaties involved the exchange of vast tracts of land for various promises, including reserve lands, annuities, and hunting and fishing rights.

• Treaty 5 was initially signed in 1875 at Winnipeg and the North-West Angle of Lake of the Woods. It covered an area largely encompassing parts of present-day Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
• Adhesion by Cumberland House Cree: The Cumberland House Cree formally joined Treaty 5 by signing an adhesion in September 1876. An adhesion means that a group or individual agrees to the terms of an already existing treaty. This act solidified their legal relationship with the Crown under the terms of Treaty 5.

Establishment of the Reserve and Chief's Island

Following the adhesion to Treaty 5, steps were taken to establish a reserve for the Cumberland House Cree, as per the treaty's provisions.

• Reserve Survey: A reserve was surveyed for the Cumberland House Cree in 1883. This land was set aside for the exclusive use and benefit of the First Nation.
• Chief's Island: A notable part of this initial reserve survey included an island known as Chief's Island. This island held particular significance as it was home to the chief, a councilor, and a number of the band's members, serving as a residential hub within the newly designated reserve lands.

The association of Cumberland House with Treaty 5 highlights the historical agreements that shaped the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government, impacting land use, governance, and community development.