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Royal Proclamation
The Royal Proclamation was a important document as it prevented settlements between the Canadians and the aboriginal people until treaties had been established; and it also recognized that Aboriginals had organized nations. The Royal Proclamation is the basis of many modern aboriginal land claims since in many parts of BC, treaties were never signed. -
Reserve System
In 1830, aboriginal people were viewed as blocking the future settlement, resulting them organized into reserves, which are lands where aboriginal people can reside. These reserves are also managed by agents of the government. The reserves greatly reduced the area for the aboriginals habitat in comparison to their previous territories. -
Indian Act
The Indian act 1876 is government’s official way of assimilating the aboriginal culture into the Canadian culture by encouraging them to give up their own culture and traditions and fit in with the rest of the Canadians. -
Aboriginal Rights to Suffrage
In 1960, aboriginal people were finally given the right to vote in federal elections. -
National Indian Brotherhood & Native Council of Canada Formed
The National Indian brotherhood was formed as an organization to represent Status Indians. The Native Council of Canada was formed in 1971 to represent the non-Status Indians and Metis. -
White Paper
In 1968, the president wanted to ameliorate the situation in the reserve system such as unemployment, ill health and poverty. So, they introduced a white paper that officially addresses the issue facing aboriginal peoples. The white paper proposed a termination of the reserves as an end to the special status for Treaty indians, since equality was a necessary to solve the problems of Indians. -
Residential School System Abolished (but not all closed)
The residential schools that were introduced in 1930s have been accused and guilty of many inhumane practices such as the physically, sexually, and emotionally abuse of children. In 1970, the residential school system began to slow down as more and more first nations sent their children to “band school” instead so the children would keep their traditional virtues -
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Movement Toward Self-Government
Aboriginals believed that they have the fundamental right of self government, which would recognize aboriginal people’s right to make decisions that related to their communities, such as changes to their cultures, traditions, languages and resources. The Constitution of 1982 granted the self government rights to the aboriginal people. -
Assembly of the First Nations
In 1982, the assembly of First Nations was created to act as a representative for the voices of first nations. They represent aboriginals in their dealings with the government -
Passing of Bill of C-31
The Bill of C-31 gave the aboriginal band councils power to decide who had the right of living on the Indian reserve or an Indian Status. Some substantial changes that made for instant was if an aboriginal involves in marriage with a non aboriginal partner, then the person would lose all qualifications for an Indian Status -
Meech Lake
The Meech lake accord contained an amend to make Quebec a “distinct society” and power to other provinces such as power to veto changes. However, the aboriginals did not support the accord because they believed that the agreement is taking their rights of having a special status like the rest of the Canada -
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Oka Standoff
In 1990s, the tension between aboriginal people and non- aboriginals in Canada increased. This started when officials decided to extend a nine-hole golf course into the Mohawks land. In response, the Mohawks set up blockades of road barriers lasted for more than six months. When the police tried to retaliate, one of the police officer was killed, and a tense standoff occurred. This was resolved, when the government negotiated the transfer of the land to Kanesatake First nation. -
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Nisga’a Treaty
The Nisga’a people of British Columbia signed a treaty with the government that gave them the wide powers of self government issues of culture, language and family life. Additionally, they gained 1992 square kilometers of land and other resources plus 190 million dollars, which benefited the aboriginals in their survival. -
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Gustafsen Lake Standoff
The Gustafsen lake standoff occurred between the Royal Canadian mounted police and Ts’peten defenders. This standoff occurred in 1995 and it involved 400 RCMP officer, one of the largest standoff ever occurred. -
The Ipperwash Crisis
The Ipperwash crisis took place over indigenous land that took place in Ipperwash park. The first nations had occupied the park to assert their claim for another land that had been taken away in world war II. In the standoff, an innocent unarmed first nation was killed by an officer which brew the conflict more intensely -
Delgamuukw Case
The Delgamuukw Case concerned the extent of Aboriginal titles and land. The judge ruled that if Delgamuukw can provide evidence that they have inhibited on the land before the Canadian government claims sovereignty then the Delgamuukw can occupy the land continuously. -
Statement of Reconciliation
The 1998 Statement of Reconciliation was issued out to all former first nation students who attended residential schools in order to apologize for the horrid actions that have happened to them. This was issued by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. -
Creation of Nunavut
In 1999, a new Canadian territory called Nunavut was created. Aboriginal people were given the right to self govern themselves for new natural resources, education and justice system. Therefore, there was no political parties in Nunavut since people ran electrons as individuals in a democratic environment.
