Treaty 6: Cows and ploughs
A section of Treaty 6 can be interpreted in a way which not only makes Indigenous peoples stewards of the land, but also the harvesters of the land.
“It is further agreed between her majesty and the Indians, that the following articles be supplied to any Band of the said Indians who are now cultivating the soil… One plough for every three families… Also for each Band; four oxen one bull and six cows…”
The clause is called the cows and ploughs clause by some in Treaty 6. Alvin Moostoos from the James Smith Cree Nation, said he thinks the first peoples should go back to the lands to harvest.
“They say there’s no money in farming,” Moostoos said. “If there’s no money in farming, why are they still farming?”