McGill-Queen's University Press Advances Scholarship on Treaties and Indigenous Histories

McGill-Queen's University Press has released two significant new titles that deepen understanding of the historic Peace and Friendship Treaties and the broader commemoration of Indigenous histories in Canada. These publications arrive at a pivotal time, coinciding with the 300th anniversary of key treaty signings and ongoing national conversations about reconciliation.

McGill-Queen's University Press: A Pillar of Canadian Academic Publishing

Established as a joint venture between McGill University in Montreal and Queen's University in Kingston, McGill-Queen's University Press stands as one of Canada's leading scholarly publishers. The press specializes in humanities and social sciences, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous studies, history, and public policy. Its catalogue regularly features works that bridge academic research with contemporary societal issues, supporting university libraries, researchers, and educators across the country.

The press operates with a commitment to rigorous peer-reviewed scholarship while making complex topics accessible to broader audiences, including policymakers and the general public interested in Canada's foundational relationships with Indigenous nations.

The Past, Present, and Promise of the Peace and Friendship Treaties

The flagship title, The Past, Present, and Promise of the Peace and Friendship Treaties, edited by David Perley and Ian Peach, examines the series of agreements signed primarily between 1725 and 1779 involving the Wabanaki Confederacy nations—including the Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), Passamaquoddy, and others—and the British Crown. Unlike later numbered treaties that involved land cessions, these early agreements focused on peace, friendship, mutual respect, and the affirmation of Indigenous rights to hunting, fishing, self-determination, and resource use.

Editors Perley, interim director of the Mi'kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre at the University of New Brunswick, and Peach, consultation manager for the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick, highlight how the treaties established a sacred kinship relationship. The Wabanaki viewed the British as becoming part of their family through these pacts, which remain living documents foundational to just relationships today.

The volume draws from academic conferences and includes contributions analyzing the treaties' historical context, their interpretation in Canadian law, and their potential as guides for a multinational future. It underscores that the treaties did not surrender land but affirmed respect for Wabanaki ways of life and mutual responsibilities for protecting land, air, and water.

Always a Part of the Land: Federal Commemoration of Indigenous Histories

Complementing the treaties volume, Always a Part of the Land: The Federal Commemoration of Indigenous Histories by Cody Groat explores how the Canadian federal government has recognized and commemorated Indigenous histories through national historic sites, plaques, and designations. The book examines the processes, challenges, and implications of these commemorative efforts, offering critical insights into how official narratives shape public understanding of Indigenous presence on the land.

Groat's work addresses gaps in historical recognition and contributes to discussions on truth and reconciliation within academic and public spheres.

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Historical Context of the Peace and Friendship Treaties

The Peace and Friendship Treaties emerged in the Maritime and Gaspé regions amid shifting alliances and conflicts in the 18th century. They reaffirmed peace after periods of war and facilitated trade while establishing frameworks for coexistence. Key signings, such as the 1726 treaty with the Wolastoqiyik, marked the beginning of a 300-year relationship that continues to influence legal and social dynamics in Atlantic Canada.

These treaties differ markedly from later agreements in western Canada. They emphasize ongoing rights and relationships rather than territorial surrender, a distinction central to contemporary court cases and policy discussions involving Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqey communities.

Relevance to Canadian Higher Education and Reconciliation

University presses like McGill-Queen's play a vital role in advancing Indigenous scholarship at Canadian institutions. These new titles support curriculum development in Indigenous studies programs at universities such as the University of New Brunswick, McGill, and Queen's. They provide primary resources for faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers examining treaty rights, Indigenous law, and historical commemoration.

The publications align with broader institutional efforts toward reconciliation, including those outlined in responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action. Academic libraries across Canada are likely to acquire these volumes to enhance collections on Indigenous histories and treaty relations.

Perspectives from Editors and Contributors

In a guest post on the McGill-Queen's University Press website, editors Perley and Peach emphasize the need for greater public and academic awareness of the treaties. They note that many Canadians, including university communities in New Brunswick, remain unfamiliar with these foundational agreements beyond brief textbook mentions.

The editors stress that respect for the treaties forms an essential part of Canada's identity as a just society. Their work encourages readers to view the treaties as active guides for building equitable relationships rather than historical artifacts.

Implications for Academics, Administrators, and Job Seekers

For university administrators, these releases highlight opportunities to strengthen Indigenous studies departments and support community-engaged research. Faculty positions in treaty history, Indigenous law, and reconciliation studies may see increased demand as institutions expand offerings.

PhD candidates and early-career researchers will find these books essential for literature reviews and dissertation work. The volumes also offer models for collaborative scholarship involving Indigenous knowledge holders and academic institutions.

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Future Outlook for Treaty Education and Scholarship

As Canada marks anniversaries and advances reconciliation initiatives, publications from McGill-Queen's University Press are poised to influence policy discussions, legal education, and public awareness campaigns. The emphasis on living treaties suggests continued relevance in courtrooms, classrooms, and community dialogues.

These titles contribute to a growing body of Canadian scholarship that centers Indigenous perspectives on history and governance, fostering more nuanced understandings across higher education sectors.

Accessing the Publications

The books are available through the McGill-Queen's University Press catalogue and major academic booksellers. University libraries are encouraged to prioritize acquisition to support teaching and research on these critical topics.