The Robinson-Huron Treaty Fund
The Robinson-Huron Treaty is a government-to-government document that was signed between First Nation leaders and the British Crown. The treaty was to establish a relationship between First Nations and the Europeans on the basis of respect for one another. Included in the treaty was an understanding that the British Crown would not interfere with the economy or activities of First Nations and that the two nations would live side by side. The agreement was intended to make room for European settlement but First Nations would retain the right to use the land for hunting and fishing in accordance with their traditions. In addition, the Treaty stated that money made from resource development such as mining or forestry would be shared with the First Nations territories; a perpetual annuity was guaranteed as an annual payment to the beneficiaries. An escalator provision was included in the Treaty to anticipate annuity increases when resource revenues increased.
The Robinson Huron Treaty 1850 Beneficiaries / Annuitants are citizens of 21 First Nations on and off reserve whose ancestors are connected to the First Nations dating back to 1850.