DCHP-2

treaty party DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

• 1

  the party representing the government on the occasion of treaty payments (def. 1), usually comprising a government agent, a doctor, and a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

  See also: treaty payment  (def. 1)  

  • 1909  Trailing the scow is a York-boat carrying the treaty party and Mr. Harris.
  • 1922  The treaty party were camped in a large marquee in front of the Company house.
  • 1956  When the Treaty Party doctor came up, he agreed that the drug stock was inadequate.

• 2

  the occasion, usually a festive one, on which an annual treaty payment (def. 1) is made.

  See also: Treaty Day  treaty payment  (def. 1)  

  • 1956  I considered the Treaty parties of other years--the long line of canoes, the officials riding in splendor; the flag flying in the lead canoe and the throng of gun-firing Indians waiting expectantly on shore.
  • 1961  For the annual Treaty Party an Indian agent, a Mountie, a government officer and a doctor come to pay the treaty money, and the Indians for miles around gather from their trap lines.