Here's a little bit why treaties are relevant:
“An agreement or arrangement made by
negotiation: (1) : a contract in writing between two or more political
authorities (such as states or sovereigns) formally signed by representatives
duly authorized and usually ratified by the lawmaking authority of the state
(2)” (Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary, 2018) This is the Merriam
Webster’s Dictionary’s definition of a treaty. But what does that even mean? A
treaty is not a law, and it only pertains to those who have signed it and are a
part of the party that signed it. Treaties are made between sovereign nations,
and the United States, together, they have signed more than 300 treaties. Signing these
treaties, in the beginning, was a way for the United States to show other
countries that they too, are in agreeance with the people in their country. There
are treaties still into effect to this day. Some of these treaties even let
those that are not a part of a tribe, to live on the land that that tribe owns.
For example, I live in the Bemidji area, and where my boyfriend lives, is on
Red Lake Nation land, but because of a treaty, he is able to live there without
being in the tribe. This is very common to see in the Bemidji area, as we are
surrounded by 3 tribes. The same applies to bodies of water. There is Upper and
Lower Red Lake, but civilians that are not a part of a sovereign nation are
only allowed to fish one third of Upper Red Lake and none of Lower Red Lake. The
same goes for Leech Lake, there are beautiful cabins all along the lake, and
just not long ago, a 100 year Treaty ended, which forced certain cabin owners
to give up their cabins to the tribe.
Many
believe that treaties are no longer relevant and do not apply at all. They say
that the treaties are a thing of the past and everyone should just forget about
them. But this loses our respect for those that are a part of a sovereign
nation. Just like we would respect those who wear hijabs or things along those
lines, we need to respect the treaties for those whose ancestors brought them
upon us. Just as we abide by the United States Constitution, we will to those
of any Treaties to this day. If we were to just “forget” the treaties signed,
we would lose an abundance of land that possibly hold business, and many
people’s homes, who are not a part of a tribe. They were given this land many
hundred years ago, and we will respect it and abide by the treaty. When these
treaties were signed, it was a way of protecting the land and the lifestyle of
American Indians for years to come. This protection of land was to protect a
relative, the water was considered a relative, as was the land, the trees, the
wind, and so on. That’s what some of the nations believed, that was practiced
in their teachings, that the land and water and all that comes with them are
relatives. The tribes were given an incentive for signing these treaties, “In
exchange, the tribes were promised goods, services, cash payments, and
reservations. At times, tribes retained access to resources on lands that were
sold.” At times, this was the only way to keep tribal members alive.
In
conclusion, these treaties do not just affect the sovereign nations and their
members, but also those who are not a part of the tribes. It is all about
protecting what once was said and signed, and staying true to it. It is to
protect the land and the hard work that the tribal member’s ancestors once put
forth so that their generations to come would have something to live and work
for. This is a part of their history and by respecting it, everyone can help
live their ancestors legacy on.
I hope this gives you a little more insight as to what treaties really are, and their importance.
Miigwetch!
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