Treaty 7 concluded between Blackfoot First Nations and Canada

Background. Treaty 7 involved the Crown and several mainly Blackfoot First Nation band governments in southern Alberta. The idea was brought to Chief Crowfoot by John McDougall in 1875. The government sought land for the railway, following previous treaty practices. The Blackfoot Confederacy, including Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani nations, inhabited the majority of the land sought by the Canadian government.

Negotiations. Negotiations began on September 19, 1877, between commissioners and five nations. Crowfoot explained the treaty terms to Red Crow, leading to agreement by all leaders. The treaty was signed on September 22, 1877, at Blackfoot Crossing. A secondary signing occurred on December 4, 1877, to accommodate leaders who were not present at the primary signing.

Aftermath. Treaty 7 was the last treaty signed between the Crown and First Nations for the next 20 years. Government officials viewed the treaties as contracts allowing control of Indigenous lands in return for compensation. While reserves were given, the promised help from the government stated in the treaty took years to fully arrive.