THE DAKOTA PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCE IN CANADA
THE DAKOTA/CROWN
RELATIONSHIP: A LEGACY OF
ALLIANCE
Chief Darcy Bear
The Dakota Oyate
Prior to contact, the Dakota had
sovereignty over:
• Territory
• Governance Structure
• Economic structure
• Military
• Culture and Language
History of Alliances
Following contact with European
newcomers, the Dakota entered into
alliances with the French.
• Included peace and trade agreements.
The Dakota Crown Alliance
• Royal Proclamation 1763
• Wampum belts at meeting at Niagara
(1764)
• First written treaty: 1787
Military Alliance
Dakota upheld promises of alliance through
participation in:
• Pontiac’s War, 1763-1764
• American Revolution, 1775-1783
• War of 1812, 1812-1814
Role of the Dakota in the War of
1812
More than 1000 Dakota warriors fought with
their Dakota leaders to support the British.
Dakota women and children remained in
their villages, and had many encounters
with the American enemy.
British Promises
Throughout the War of 1812, the Dakota were
presented with many gifts, medals, and flags.
In exchange for the Dakota’s
alliance, gave promises of
protection from American
expansion and aggression.
Promises for a homeland state.
Unfulfilled Promises:
The Treaty of Ghent (1814)
Signed in modern day Belgium, without
consulting First Nations allies.
In spite of their promises, British signed over
Dakota territory to the Americans
As a result, many Dakota found themselves
in American territory.
Dakota Presence in Canada
• The Dakota were present in areas now
known as Canada long before the borders
were established.
• Records of fur traders and explorers
document Dakota presence in southern
Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba from
1695 through to end of 19th Century
Legacy of Alliance
Dakota return to their Northern territory in
1862, following conflict with American
settlers.
Confronted by a border they helped
create, they presented flags, and quoted
promises.
Negotiation of Numbered Treaties
Dakota were denied entry into Treaty negotiations, in spite
of their requests to be included.
Some officials recognized their claim to this territory:
Settlement
The Dakota settled in communities in
present day Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Chief Whitecap’s community came to
settle in the Beaver Creek area in 1878.
They moved further south to their current
location in 1879.
Continuing the Legacy of Peace
and Partnership
In 1882, Chief Whitecap led John Lake to
the area that would become the site for
Saskatoon.
In 1885, Chief Whitecap aided in the
protection of Saskatoon residents during
the Riel Resistance.
Legacy of Peace and Partnership
Today
• Reinforce our values and traditions of
the past.
• Spirit of alliance continues through
partnerships build with communities
and organizations.
Correcting Historic Wrongs
• Reconciliation
• Addressing Land Base Inequities
• Recognition of Dakota Contribution to
history of Canada
Summary
• Pre-contact sovereignty;
• Territory straddled present day boundary
between Canada and US;
• Dakota-Crown Alliance: British Promises;
• Continuing Legacy of Peace and Partnership.