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1452
Doctrine of Discovery
In 1452, the 3 Bulls, and the pope Nicholas V created decrees that European Empires could invade and colonize any country that is not christian. It was a whopping 30-40 years until later popes declared it invalid. While this was active, they were allowed to split First Nations families apart and send the children off to residential school, this story is the base of the Indian act -
The Battle of The Plains of Abraham
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place in Quebec City, New France on September 13th, 1759. The battle consisted of the French and their Indigenous allies against the British. There were 658 casualties for the British, and 650 casualties for the French. The British got the victory, and in 1760 the French lost control of New France to the British. This affected culture, borders, and identities of Canada, which also had an effect on the Indigenous. -
The Quebec Act
The goal of the Quebec act was to get Quebec and it's people to become part of the British empire. It would gain the loyalty of the French in the province, and it would establish benefits for both sides. It would expand the boundaries of Quebec, bring the people of Quebec into the rest of Canada's empire, which would make it easier to trade with one another. It was signed on May 20th, 1774, and was put into effect on May 1st, 1775. -
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Smallpox
Smallpox is a well known disease, and not in a good way. The first big appearance of smallpox was in the late 18th century, it started with a diseased man coming on a boat to Victoria from San Francisco. He started a humongous wave of illness in First Nations communities, it started mainly when the disease made it's way to the port. After the Europeans got sick they demanded that the First Nations people go back home, but they took it home and smallpox had just got worse. It killed millions... -
The War of 1812
Due to the war between France and England, the US could not ship supplies, and especially food. Both countries prohibited ships to enter either of their ports, and caused trades to a halt due to confrontation. Americans were mad after finding out that more than 8 thousand Americans were British sailors, for in 1807 a warship had been attacked by the British. Native Americans and English troops united, but US forces eventually pushed the Native Americans were pushed to back to their territory. -
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The Gold Rush
There have been many gold rushes in Canada, but the one from the 1850's and 1860's is the primary. With the discovery of gold in BC, people from all over the world were coming to get in on it. Gold was good for trade, and helped many people out, but it was not only positive. First Nations territories had popular gold deposits and the Europeans did not care about who's land it was on. First Nations People were out of the Europeans sight of North America. Population of Europeans grew afterwards. -
The Confederation
On July 1st, 1867 Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec all connected to make one Federation. The rules of Confederation happened in Quebec City, London, England, and Charlottetown. The Confederation is important to Indigenous communities, makes new markets, creates new railways, and allows people to enter the territory and helps them settle in the west. -
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The Indian Act
The Indian act was created in 1876, and lasted up until 1955. This is probably the most significant event, it is infamously known all over Canada. This act made by Canadians affected the Indigenous people who had been living on that land for thousands of years. The goal was to transform the Indigenous way of living into a new Canadian culture. This horrific Canadian nightmare will never be forgotten, and some First Nations still to this day, and maybe for the rest of their lives won't heal. -
The North-West Resistence
This 5 month insurgency against the Canadian government, and it was led by Alberta, First Nations in Saskatchewan, and the Metis. This was triggered because of the disappearance of bison, and land loss. This took place in Saskatchewan and the main battles took place at places like Duck Lake, and Tourond's Coulee. Even though they came out with an early victory, the Metis lost Louis Riel who was hung, subjection over the plains, and permanent enforcement of Canadian law in the West. -
The Canadian Pacific Railway
This railway built from 1881-1885 is an important piece of Canadian history, and had an effect all across the country. It was used to transport resources and new immigrants across the country. It brought other benefits such as allowing Canada to prosper in the prairies and lay claim to BC before the US could. The railway brought many positives, live much faster travel all across Canada. But, it also had negatives, mainly for the First Nations People, a lot of their traditional land was taken. -
The Hanging of Louis Riel
Louis Riel was a Metis leader for two different governments and was a huge factor in bringing Manitoba to confederation. He was unjustly executed for treason, because of his effort trying to protect his people from the Canadian government. He was persecuted and forced into hiding and came out to be a criminal. But he still returned to Canada and led with the Metis to create justice in the valley of Saskatchewan. Many saw him as a rebel, but was later on known as a brave leader. -
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The Number Treaties
The number treaties were made between the crown and the First Nations from 1887-1921. The treaties provide the crown with industrial development and white settlement. In exchange for their territories. Government negotiators made many promises to the First Nations of oral and written treaties. They include rights to land, hunting, farming, and the distribution of cash payment. It is relevant to this day because both parties made an agreement that would secure their future, nothing has changed. -
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The Calder Case
Throughout the 1800's and 1900's, BC's white settlement had pushed Indigenous communities from their territory and onto reserves. By 1927, the government had banned Indigenous political organization. But Frank Calder fought the land claim dispute and was elected to BC's legislature in 1949. The Calder case took place between 1967 and 1973. Frank Calder and other Nisga'a elders sued the government of British Colombia, that their title to their land had never been lawfully distinguished. -
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The Highway of Tears
The Highway of Tears is a story of highway 16 in Merritt that is over 700 kilometers long. It is known to have murder, and kidnap cases, many girls were reported missing. There are 18 known disappearances and murders, and only 2 were solved. There was no public transportation, and parents were skeptical, and worried about the highway, it seems they were right to feel that way. -
The Gustafsen Lake Standoff
This was a month-long standoff between the RCMP and a group of First Nations Sun Dancers. This happened at Gustafson Lake, this began because a local rancher, and the camp of Sun Dancers had a argument over access to private land, this land was going to be used for ceremonial purposes. The RCMP later got involved, they surrounded the camp, and a gun fight even took place. Luckily, no one was injured. It is important to Indigenous lives because it represents their ongoing struggles.