Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850
The Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, is a painful chapter in our history, one filled with broken promises and lost lands. It was a time when our people faced immense challenges as European settlers encroached upon our traditional territories.
For generations, we had lived harmoniously on the lands stretching across the eastern shores. These lands held deep spiritual and cultural significance for us, and we cherished our connection to them. However, the British Crown, represented by William Benjamin Robinson, sought to secure these lands for the settlers' benefit.
In the face of tremendous pressure, our Chiefs and leaders reluctantly entered into negotiations with Robinson. We agreed to surrender our lands, hoping that in return, our people would receive fair treatment and protection. The treaty promised annuity payments, which were meant to provide ongoing support for our communities, education for our children, and assistance in agriculture and health care.
But the promises made to us were not fulfilled. The annuity payments were meager and inconsistent, leaving our people to face economic hardships and struggle to maintain our traditional way of life. Our lands were taken from us, and we were left to bear the burden of displacement and the loss of our cultural heritage.
The treaty acknowledged our right to hunt and fish on our surrendered territories, but even those rights have been challenged and restricted over the years. Our ability to sustain ourselves through traditional practices has been further eroded.
The Robinson-Huron Treaty stands as a painful reminder of the injustices inflicted upon us. It is a testament to the enduring struggle faced by Indigenous peoples in asserting our rights and preserving our way of life in the face of colonization.
Today, we continue to fight for the proper implementation of the treaty's provisions, seeking justice and recognition for the injustices that have been done. We strive to reclaim our lands, revive our cultural practices, and ensure a brighter future for our children.
The Robinson-Huron Treaty serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of upholding treaty rights and fostering genuine reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. It is a call to honor the promises made, rectify past wrongs, and forge a path of true partnership and respect between our nations.
The annuity is a collective entitlement of the Robinson Huron Anishinaabek, having originally been set at “six hundred pounds of good and lawful money of Upper Canada” (approximately $2,400). However, there is an individual component to the collective annuity. In fact, from 1850-1854 the annuity was paid to the Chiefs and it was the Chiefs’ responsibility to distribute any amounts to their citizens. In Stage 1 of the Robinson Huron Treaty case, Justice Hennessy found the reference to $4 per person in the Treaty text “is a limit only on the amount that may be distributed to individuals, and this distributive amount is a portion of the collective lump sum annuity payable to the Chiefs and their Tribes.”
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FORM SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
Please ensure that you have:
- Filled in all the key details-name, date of birth, ID numbers, mailing address, phone number, etc.
- Attached a copy of a government-issued ID (x2)
- Attached a void cheque or direct deposit form for your bank account
- Read and understood the Acknowledgement and Release
- Signed the declaration in front of a witness and had the witness sign as well
- Printed your name and the name of the witness, and the date you signed
After using the Checklist to ensure you have completed all necessary steps, submit your form below or using the below methods:
Physical Mail:
MFN RHT Coordinator
c/o Mississauga First Nation
P.O Box 1299
Blind River, ON P0R 1B0
Email:
RHT@mississaugi.com