Treaty of Ghent: How It Affected the First Nations

The Treaty of Ghent was a disaster for First Nations (Indians) who had no representation at the bargaining table.

Having abandoned their initial demand for an autonomous territory for First Peoples in the Great Lakes region which would have functioned as a buffer zone between British North America and the United States, both countries agreed instead to restore First Nations privileges and rights to those of the pre-war period and end all remaining hostilities with indigenous groups.

This arrangement left the latter feeling betrayed by their British allies since they were now at the mercy of American policy.  The treaty also failed to guarantee First Nations rights for any specific period and soon the way of life of nations living in the northwest became endangered by American expansion.

--Brock-Perry