Canada's Got Treasures

At Library and Archives Canada (LAC) we are passionate about engaging Canadians in understanding the past, and in preserving today's memories for future generations.

We build Canada's cultural memory into our collections, which are representative of our diversity, and interpret it through our programs, events and exhibitions.

We provide access to Canada's documentary heritage and preserve it for the future. Our Canadian heritage includes published works, archival records, sound and audiovisual materials, photographs, artworks and electronic publications such as websites.

We manage Canada's knowledge resources by harnessing the digital revolution. We provide the tools of discovery and the access to our most precious national resource-information. We work closely with other archives and libraries to provide access to these materials as widely as possible.

In this learning object, you will find two treasures from the Library and Archives Canada.

Treaties much like much the pages of a book offer a more complete history of Canada. Treaty number 6 was signed August 23 and 28th, and September 9th, 1876 at both Fort Carlton and Fort Brigg. The treaty documents the Plains and Woodland Cree’s surrender of land to Queen Victoria in exchange for Reserve lands to be used for farming. Also promised by the Queen in this treaty were schools, the right to continue hunting on the surrendered land until it became settled, a medicine chest and food to be provided in the event of famine. The territory given up in this treaty is the present-day land of the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Treaties date back over 275 years, long before Confederation in 1867. These important historical records are contractual agreements between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. They can be oral or written agreements that cover diverse issues such as access to lands and resources, fur trading and military alliances. Each treaty has a number based on a system devised by the Indian Affairs Department in Ottawa prior to the transfer of these documents to Library and Archives Canada. The terms of Treaty number 6 have been respected. This is unlike other treaties that have been contested or broken by non-Indigenous Canadians.

The Four Indian Kings were painted in 1710 by John Verelst, a Dutch artist at the court of Queen Anne of England. The portraits are the earliest full-length oil-paintings of North American Aboriginal peoples. Ho Nee Yeath Taw No Row (baptized John), Etow Oh Koam (baptized Nicholas), Sa Ga Yeath Pieth Tow (baptized Brant), and Tee Yee Neen Ho Ga Row (baptized Hendrick) are the Chiefs (sachems) who were selected to represent the Iroquoian Confederacy at the royal meeting with Queen Anne. The so-called “Four Kings” sought to solidify an alliance with England and military aid against the French. The portraits were probably painted in two stages, a common practice during this era. The details of the face, in particular the tattoos, indicate that the faces were painted from life. The clothing and objects on the other hand were probably completed in the artist’s studio from sketches, notes and objects. The Chiefs stand in an imagined North American landscape posed at a slight angle, a pose used by European nobles. They are dressed in scarlet cloaks with gold borders made for them soon after their arrival in London. Items belonging to Iroquois culture are also featured in the portraits. These include their clan totems – the bear, wolf, and turtle- also the belts decorated with moose hair or porcupine quills, the beaded moccasins and the ball club. Tee Yee Neen Ho Ga Row, presented as the top ranking member of the group, is the only one wearing a complete English outfit. His wampum belt, used to commemorate treaties and historical events, shows the importance of his diplomatic position.

In every home, there are objects that we cherish or that have been passed from generation to generation. They are our family treasures. Just like museum artefacts, these objects play an important part in our family history.

With your students, take the time to explore family stories and traditions and to investigate the contributions they make to the rich and diverse Canadian society.

Canada’s Got Treasures is a dynamic web space that brings together objects found in museums and in people’s homes. It’s an interactive way to present your students’ family treasures to other Canadians. You can also learn more about the treasures submitted by Canadians and various museums.

First, have your students explore Canada’s treasures – objects, works of art, artefacts, documents, and important specimens from the country’s heritage institutions and national museums. Discover their history by reading the accompanying texts and looking at pictures inspired by each object.

Then, ask your students to question family members in order to find their own treasures. They can take a picture and bring you the file, or they can bring the object in class and let you photograph it. It is also recommended to create a small document describing the object and explaining what it means for the student’s family.

Note: You might have to send a note asking parents’ permission to post images of the treasures online.

Finally, upload these photos or videos (on YouTube or Flickr) and share your most precious or culturally significant treasures with the rest of Canada. Follow these instructions. http://www.museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca/sgc-cms/expositions-exhibitions/tresors-treasures/?lang=en

* Please note that the interactive part of the project (YouTube and Flickr) will be re-evaluated in November 2011. It could be maintained (depending on participation rate) or not. If that component is removed, you will still be able to do the activity with your students – just create a blog or a wiki for your class and post the family treasures online. The parents will then be able to see the outcome of the project.


Have fun!