-
The Indian Act
[Emma] In 1951, the aboriginal people of Canada finally had a reason to celebrate. The Canadian government, after receiving insight from the second world war, finally began to make life better for their own minority- the aboriginal people of Canada. The Potlach, and other religious gatherings were allowed, communities were allowed to bring land claims to the government, and all aboriginal people of age were allowed to vote. - [Henderson, The Canadian Encyclopedia.] -
The Sixties Scoop
[Emma] Beginning in the 1960's, the first nations people lived in fear of their children being taken away from them. They describe the act as "Cultural genocide" [-Global news, "What was the 60's scoop?"] as it wiped away their cultures, languages, and even their names. As it was put by one of the survivors, "16000 children were taken from their homes and planted into foster care, often kidnapped without parents consent." [-Global news, "What was the 60's scoop?"] -
Hydroelectric Dams Built in Quebec
The construction of Hydroelectric dams in Quebec was done by the Canadian government. Because the First Nations people did not agree with these being built on their land, this is the event that began the James Bay Agreement (Dickason).
Abbie -
1969 White Paper
A government policy paper that tried to delete previous documents related to aboriginal people. It was proposed by Indian affairs manager, Jean Chrétien. The white paper was used to abolish the Indian act and to try to make the “Indians” into Canadians by eliminating the Indian status. Reserve lands were turned into privately owned land by certain members. There was a lot of bad reputation as the aboriginal people did not like the loss of their reserves and their status. (Lagace & Sinclair) -
James Bay Agreement
This agreement was made to resolve and finalize the rights of First Nations people in Quebec. It also states the rights and regulations of Quebecers in that area (Dickason).
Abbie -
Constitution Act
The 1982 constitution act, section 35 was revised which recognized and affirmed Aboriginal and treaty rights within Canada. Many, however, continue to claim that the spirit and intent of the 1969 White Paper and the abdication of responsibilities to Aboriginal peoples by Canada continues to be a long-term goal of successive federal governments. (Azzi & Sinclair) -
Oka Crisis
The Oka Crisis was the most famous First Nations blockade in Canada's history occurring in 1990, near Oka, Quebec. The Oka Crisis was a 78-day standoff from between Mohawk protesters and the police. The land, known as, The Pine was the Mohawk cemetery, however it had been taken away by the town of Oka and was going to be broken down to extend a golf course. Due to this, the Mohawks began a 78 day protest since the government denied their land claim (Marshall).- Kuljit Sahota -
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP)
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) was a Canadian Royal Commission established in 1992 to designate many issues of Aboriginal status that had come to light due to events like the Oka Crisis. The purpose of the Commission was to study the evolution of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples, and the government of Canada.The main conclusion of the report was the need for a full restoring of the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada (Doerr).-Kuljit -
Truth and Reconciliation
Truth and reconciliation was a commission signed to compensate survivors of Residential Schools. This commission was created to work towards a more just future for Indigenous peoples of Canada (Moran).
Abbie
