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1452
Doctrine of Discover
The Doctrine of Discovery consisted of a series of proclamations (issued by the popes of the 15th century) that granted religious authority for Christian empires to conquer non-Christian communities/countries, claim their resources, and convert the population to Christianity. This "allowed" for colonists to claim Indigenous lands and spread settlements across the New World. Additionally, it resulted in the imposition of the Indigenous Peoples' cultures, governments, and religions. -
7 Years' War
Lasting from 1756-1763, the 7 Years' War was primarily fought between the French and British (along with both sides' respective Indigenous allies). With the French occupying much of Canada and the Great Lakes and Britain holding on to its 13 colonies, the desirable region of land near the upper Ohio River Valley was up for contention. The war resulted in 1,000,000 lives being lost, the treaty of Paris being signed, and Great Britain claiming all French territory east of the Mississippi River. -
Royal Proclamation
Issued by King George III of Britain, the Royal Proclamation established a new system of administration regarding the newly acquired regions of land in North America. The proclamation defined land west of the British colonies as "Indigenous Land", forbidding settlers from claiming the lands of the Indigenous. Most notably, it aimed to assimilate the French-Canadian population under the English, as the resulting Treaty of Paris from the 7 Years' War left many French people under English rule. -
Quebec Act
Being put into effect in 1775, the Quebec act revoked the Royal Proclamation and was passed to gain the favor of the French speaking population in Quebec. The act restored certain aspects of French life (including property rights and the freedom of worship). It had dire consequence for the British Empire in North America, being labeled as one of the five "intolerable acts" by the 13 American colonies, and was one of the causes of the American Revolutionary War. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was fought between the US and the British, along with both sides' respective indigenous allies. Britain's interference with American trade and maritime rights (results of the chaos caused by war in Europe) were a few of the many reasons why America declared war. The War of 1812 ultimately resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Ghent. Both sides could be considered victorious, with the British maintaining their control of Canada, while America gained the respect of Europe. -
Oregon Boundary Dispute
After the War of 1812, the region of land comprising present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming became of high political value to the American Republic and the British Empire. The dispute resulted in the signing of the Oregon Treaty (1846), which established the boundary of the 49th parallel and allowed for both sides' navigation of the Columbian River. The treaty also demonstrated both sides' willingness to avoid war and prioritize more pressing matters. -
Gold Rush
Lasting from the 1850s to the 1860s, the BC gold rush primarily involved the regions of the Fraser River and the Cariboo District. The discovery of gold attracted thousands of prospectors, miners, and settlers (all from diverse backgrounds), resulting in a diverse population boom in BC. Additionally, the gold rush caused the disruption of Indigenous lands, the growth of the economy, the discovery of other mineral deposits, and the rapid development of communities and towns. -
Formation of the Dominion of Canada
The enacting of the Constitutional Act of 1867 involved the unification of the three colonies at the time: the Province of Canada (made up of Canada West - now Ontario - and Canada East - now Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. This created the Dominion of Canada, establishing Canada as a self-governing entity within the British Empire. The process also allowed Canada to form its own federal government and ensured Canada's geographical and political expansion. -
Treaty of Washington
Signed between the British and United States, the Treaty of Washington settled disputes that had arisen at the end of the American Civil War. It primarily resulted in the British paying compensation to the US for their involvement in the Civil War (constructing Confederate ships in British ports), and the resolution of ongoing border disputes (Alaska-Canada, and the Oregon boundary). The treaty also established a more amicable relationship between the two countries. -
Indian Act
Used to administer First Nation's land, governments, and status, the Indian Act established the groundwork for residential schools in Canada. The Act placed those with Indian status under the authority of the federal government, granting the government control over different aspects of indigenous life (such as land, resources, education, culture, governance, etc.). It also served to assimilate the Indigenous into European-Canadian society, prohibiting many aspects of First Nations' culture. -
Building of the CPR
A vital part of Canadian history, the building of the CPR lasted from 1881-1885 and connected Eastern and Western Canada, allowing for economic growth, transportation, rapid migration, trade, and expansion. It resulted in an influx of diverse workers (including the Chinese), and, although it was extremely difficult to construct (resulting in 1200 deaths), it played a crucial role in unifying Canada. Additionally, it played an important part in BC's joining of Canada. -
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Number Treaties
Including 11 treaties formed between the Canadian government and various Indigenous groups between 1871 and 1921, the Number Treaties dealt with the transfer of Indigenous land rights to the Canadian government. In exchange for these rights, the government made various promises (such as those regarding reserves, education, fishing rights, and annuities). The treaties resulted in the Canadian government gaining large areas of land, while the Indigenous were arguably taken advantage of. -
Forced Sterilization and Medical Experiments in Residential Schools
Carried out in residential schools from 1942-1976, the forced sterilization of children (specifically girls) was a heinous method used with the intention of decreasing the future populations of Indigenous Peoples. Often carried out without the child's consent or understanding of the consequences, unnecessary medical experiments would be performed, resulting in painful symptoms, blindness, and even death. The processes now serve to depict the atrocities committed in residential schools. -
James Bay Agreement
Serving as a milestone regarding the recognition of Indigenous rights and claims to land, the James Bay Agreement was signed between the Canadian government, along with the province of Quebec, and the Indigenous peoples of James Bay and Northern Quebec (primarily the Cree and Inuit). It involved the recognition of land rights of the Cree, the establishment of provisions to be used for resource development, and the promise of compensation for the use of the Cree and Inuit lands. -
Gustafsen Lake Standoff
A result of the dispute over the sacred land of the Shuswap Nation, the Gustafsen Lake Standoff consisted of a group of protestors, led by Indigenous activists and supporters who claimed the land was rightfully theirs. The standoff evolved into an armed standoff when the RCMP moved to arrest to occupants of the camp. After a few weeks, however, the protestors peacefully surrendered. The standoff still serves as an example of the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the government.