In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 11, the historic document has returned to the Northwest Territories (NWT) and is on display for public to view at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. until late October.

This is the first time the document has been in the north since traveling by river to the nine signatory communities in 1921 and 1922 when it was signed by representatives of the Dehcho, Tłı̨chǫ, Sahtu and Gwich'in and the Government of Canada.

The document is in booklet form, with each community having a signatory page. The PWNHC will be turning the pages weekly to provide the public with the opportunity to see each signatory page.

The pages will be turned in the following order:

• Fort Providence: September 13 – 19
• Fort Simpson and Wrigley: September 20 – 26
• Fort Norman (Tulita) and Fort Good Hope: September 27 – October 3
• Arctic Red River (Tsiigehtchic) and Fort McPherson: October 4 – 10
• Fort Liard and Fort Rae (Behchokǫ̀): October 12 – 17

Visit the PWNHC Facebook page for upcoming events and programing relating to Treaty 11.

The document is on loan from Library and Archives Canada (LAC) in Ottawa.

Visiting the PWNHC during COVID-19

The PWNHC is open and has implemented COVID-19 protocols. Face masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces in the NWT. If you are feeling unwell, stay home. For more information on COVID-19 or the NWT’s current public health orders, visit www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19.

Quotes:

“Treaty 11 is an important part of Canadian and Northwest Territories (NWT) history. It has helped shape our society today, and has contributed to the social and political evolution of our territory. I hope all residents will take time to go see this historic treaty and reflect on what it means to Indigenous people and governments in the NWT..”

-Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories

“Recognizing and respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples is an integral part of creating an NWT that is reflective of those we serve. The Treaty 11 document coming back to the north is cause for celebration and reflection while we continue to build relationships based on mutual respect and shared responsibilities.”

-R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

• Photography and filming are prohibited in the historical Treaty 11 exhibit.
• Because of its age, the Treaty 11 document requires conservation care to stabilize it to be on display. Turning of the pages will be carried out under very strict conditions.
• The historical Treaty 11 exhibit is paired with the latest community exhibit at the PWNHC which tells the century-long story of Treaty 11 from the perspective of the Tłı̨chǫ. That exhibit is a partnership between the Tłı̨chǫ Government, Tłı̨chǫ citizens, and the PWNHC, who worked together to create it.

Related links

• Understanding Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in the Northwest Territories: An Introduction
• Treaty 11 Centenary
• A History of Treaty-Making in Canada
• Treaties, agreements and negotiations

 

For media requests, please contact:

Briony Grabke

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications

Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Government of the Northwest Territories

briony_grabke@gov.nt.ca 

867-767-9352 Ext. 71073

Todd Sasaki

Senior Communications Officer

Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs

Government of the Northwest Territories

Todd_sasaki@gov.nt.ca