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1763 Royal Proclamation
This proclamation made it mandatory for a treaty to be negotiated and agreed upon with Aboriginal Peoples before new settlement in North America. -
1830 Reserve System
During this time period, there was a growing concern that First Nations were blocking the future settlement of the British North America. Because of this, the government created reservations for First Nations to live on. This limits their ability to have an effect on the national economy, as the houses are technically owned by the federal government. Those who live on reserves are also expected to die 6 years earlier than someone who doesn't and the suicide rate is 8 times higher. -
1876 Indian Act
This act was the government's attempt to assimilate Aboriginals into British-Canadian culture. Traditional activities, like potlatch, were outlawed. Aboriginals could not vote, live off reserves, get a post secondary education or marry a non aboriginal person without loosing their Indian status and benefits. It did, in fact, exempt them from paying sales and income taxes. They were also given hunting and fishing rights, as well as medical care and schools. -
Aboriginal Right to Universal Suffrage
1960 was the year that First Nations were given the right to participate in Federal elections and vote. -
Formation of the National Indian Brotherhood & Native Council of Canada
These groups were created to lobby against provincial and federal policies.The Native Council of Canada was made up of non-status Indians and Métis.The National Indian Brotherhood (NIB) was formed by status Indians. -
White Paper
Many people wanted to see changes with the reserve system. There were many problems such as unemployment, ill-health, and poverty; they were quite common. So an official statement policy called 'white paper' was introduced. White paper introduced abolition of reserves and the end to special status for treaty Indians. -
Residential School System Abolished but not all closed
Residential schools were put in place to assimilate aboriginals so that they would lose their heritage and culture. Aboriginal children would live in dormitories at the school to stay away from their parents. They were mentally and physically abused. It wasn't until 1951 that public school children were allowed to attend schools within the public school system. In the 1990's the United Church of Canada and several Catholic religious orders accepted responsibility for their harmful practice. -
Assembly of the First Nations
The Assembly of the First Nations is an assembly of aboriginal chiefs. It replaced the NIB. -
Movement toward Self Government
A 1982 constitution guaranteed Aboriginals existing rights, to control traditional land, to protect culture and tradition and to self-governance. Self-governance would allow them to have a similar relationship with the Federal government as the Provincial government does. This would make them responsible for their own schools, healthcare and policing and would allow them to have access to federal government institutions and benefits. -
Passing of Bill C-31
In 1985, substantial changes were made to the Indian Act. They abolished the concept of enfranchisement and bands increased self-government. The changes allowed you to lose your "Indian Status" and become Canadian mainstream. -
Meech Lake
The Meech Lake was where the Meech Lake Accord took place. Prime Minister Mulroney tried to amend the constitution so Quebec would agree to be a part of it. The accord referred to Quebec as a "distinct society". Some people opposed the change because minorities viewed them it as one group getting special status. -
Oka Stand Off
Tensions between aboriginals and non-aboriginals. Quebec officials decided to extend a nine-hole golf course onto on to aboriginal peoples land. In response, the Mohawks set up blockades or major roads that listed more than 6 months. The police stormed barricades and one was killed. The event was so out of hand the Canadian army was called in. -
Gustafasen Lake BC
There was a protest held in Gustafsen Lake in BC. Aboriginal people re-occupied land and that they claimed was sacred ground. -
Ipperwash Ontario
In Ipperwash Ontario, there were also protests. Aboriginal people occupied land on a former army base that had been taken from them during the second world war and was never returned. -
Nisga'a Treaty
The Nisga's people of BC signed a unique treaty with the provincial and federal government. The Nisga'a were given wide powers of self-government pertaining to issues of culture, language and family life, They were also given almost 2,000 square kilometers of land, resources, fishing and hunting rights and $190 million dollars. -
Statement of Reconciliation issued
A truth and Reconciliation Commision (TRC) is a committee whose task is to acknowledge wrongdoings committed by a government. to a minority. Both parties are then meant to work together towards reconciliation. TRC is usually organized similar to a court case. -
Delgamuluukw Case
The Delgamuluukw case is important because it defines aboriginal peoples content and the extent of the Aboriginal title. It gave them more rights, they were more respected and they had an ancestral right that was in the constitutions. -
Creation of Nunavut
In 1999, the new Canadian territory Nunavut was created. In Nunavut, aboriginal people were given the right to self-government over natural resources, education and justice systems. In the political system of Nunavut, there are no political parties- people run for elections as individuals and then the elected members vote for the member who they want to lead the government.
