1666 Articles of Peace and Amity

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The 1666 Articles of Peace and Amity were signed 20 April 1666 between the Province of Maryland and 12 Eastern Algonquian-speaking indigenous nations, including the Piscataway, Anacostanck, Doegs, Mikikiwomans, Manasquesend, Mattawoman, Chingwawateick, Hangemaick, Portobackes, Sacayo, Panyayo, and Choptico. The treaty established the right of Native peoples to remain on their lands and preserved the inviolable right of Native peoples to fishing, crabbing, hunting, and fowling. The treaty states "If an Indian kill an Englishman he shall dye for itt", however execution is only prescribed if an "English man shall kill any Indian that shall come vnpaynted". The treaty permitted Englishmen to kill Native people who enter an English plantation "painted", stating that "the English cannot easily distinguish one Indian from another." If a Native person and an Englishman meet accidentally in the forest, the "Indian shall be bound immediately to throwe downe his Armes vpon call, and in case any Indian soe meeting an English man shall refuse to throwe downe his armes vpon Call he shall be deemed as an Enemy."[1]

History[]

In December 2020, the Council of the District of Columbia voted to honor the language of the treaty guaranteeing fishing rights to Native people by granting free fishing licences to members of the Piscataway Indian Nation and Tayac Territory and the Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Maryland.[2]

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References[]

  1. ^ "Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, April 1666-June 1676". Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
  2. ^ "D.C. Council votes to rename Lafayette rec center and park, honor long-ignored Indian treaty". Retrieved 2021-04-28.
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