Our Nation
Grand Council Treaty #3’s overall goal is the protection, preservation and enhancement of Treaty and Aboriginal rights.
The Grand Council Treaty #3 existed in the territory of the Anishinaabe Nation, key to Canadian Confederation in that the British wanted to plan a route between Fort Garry and Fort William.
Grand Council Treaty #3 was planned to be the first post-Confederation treaty, but the Anishinaabe held firm that they would not cede lands, nor allow farming or settlement, in their territory. On October 3, 1873, the 55,000 square miles of territory agreed to be shared between the Anishinaabe and the British.
The Chiefs negotiated, among other things, that British “business” would be allowed within the entire territory, and that both the land and resources would be shared between Anishinaabe and the British as “brothers.”
Grand Council Treaty #3 is 55,000 sq. miles spanning from west of Thunder Bay to north of Sioux Lookout, along the international border, to the province of Manitoba. It is made up of 28 First Nation communities, with a total population of approximately 25,000.
Welcome Highway Signs
Placed at strategic entry points, signs welcome travelers to Treaty #3 aki, and acknowledge the Anishinaabe Nation that has lived in Treaty #3 since time immemorial. The signage aims to foster a greater sense of place and cultural awareness, and hopes to promote not only respect for Anishinaabe territories, but an understanding of jurisdiction as well.
“These signs not only mark a physical boundary, but embody an enduring sovereignty of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3” shared Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “They extend a welcome to all who enter the territory, while reminding them of their responsibility to abide by the inherent laws that are present within it.”
By emphasizing the importance of recognizing jurisdiction, these signs invite all who encounter them to engage in a further exploration of Anishinaabe laws such as Manito Aki Inaakonigewin (The Great Earth Law), Anishinaabe Nibi Inaakonigewin (Anishinaabe Water Law), Abinoojii Inaakonigewin (Child Care Law), and others, which are all to be upheld by those who live in or visit Treaty #3 Territory.
