First Nations Farming _ Creator - Land - People.pdf

First Nations Farming Agreements

  • Treaty Provisions for Farming

    • Each farming family was promised:

      • 2 hoes, 1 spade, 1 scythe

      • 1 plough per 10 families

      • 5 harrows per 20 families

      • Additional tools: 1 axe, 3 saws, files, grindstone, carpenter's tools

      • Agricultural supplies: seeds, 1 yoke of oxen, 1 bull, 4 cows

    • Government's intent:

      • Develop an agricultural economy in the West

      • Assimilate First Nations into mainstream society

Initial Challenges and Interests

  • Despite government intentions, First Nations showed early interest in farming.

  • After settlement on reserves, First Nations sought to establish agriculture:

    • Government was slow to provide necessary implements and instruction.

    • Many First Nations faced starvation and required immediate assistance.

  • Reserve Farm Instruction Program introduction in 1879:

    • David Laird appointed Indian Commissioner, oversaw 17,000 First Nations over 200,000 sq. miles.

    • Short tenure lasted only two months, replaced by Edgar Dewdney.

    • Dewdney implemented farming policies, surveyed Cree reserves, and appointed 12 farming instructors.

    • Utilized rations for control; benefited compliant Bands and punished non-compliant ones.

Transition to Farming

  • The transition was difficult:

    • Land needed clearance and preparation.

    • The harsh climate challenged farming success.

    • Primitive farming tools added complications.

  • Example of Mosquito Band:

    • Settled on marginal land; cleared 30 acres using basic tools in two years.

  • Mutual assistance:

    • First Nations shared knowledge of the land with settlers.

    • Provided labor and shared environmental wisdom, including:

      • Vegetation types, rainfall and frost patterns, water availability, horse care, summer pasturage, winter forage.

    • Assisted settlers with labor, firewood, equipment, harvesting, land clearing, and more.

Successes and Recognition

  • By late 1880s, some First Nations farmers thrived:

    • Experimented with new farming techniques and crop types.

    • Notable achievements:

      • First prize for wheat in 1890 by reserve farms.

      • Louis O’Soup’s wheat was on par with white farmers'.

      • Government officials recognized productivity among First Nations farmers.

  • Enjoyed commercial viability and at times outperformed non-First Nations farmers:

    • Generated concern among non-First Nations farmers regarding competition.

    • Government prioritized non-First Nations prosperity to attract settlers.

Policies Affecting First Nations Farming

  • Peasant Policy (1889) by Hayter Reed:

    • Advocated for small-scale farming mimicking peasant models from Europe.

    • Focused on small plots of crops and minimal machinery.

    • Undermined collective ownership beliefs, promoting individual responsibility.

  • Impact of Pass and Permit System:

    • Introduced to monitor First Nations movements and outputs post-Riel Rebellion.

    • Farmers needed permits to sell goods, which often delayed transactions leading to spoilage.

    • Restricted movement until 1951; permit system lasted until 1995.

  • The systemic failure of policies led to agricultural disadvantages for First Nations, prompting contemporary claims for promised agricultural support.