-
1452
Doctrine of Discovery
In 1452 the pope Nicholas V and the 3 bulls made decrees that European empires could invade and colonize any country that was not christian. The Doctrine discovery is the base of the Indian Act, it allowed Europeans to take land away from the Indigenous people and move them into reserves, and allowed residential schools to take children away from their parents -
The 7 Years War
The 7 years war was from 1756 to 1763 it was a global conflict primarily between French and British colonies. It started over land disputes in North America, especially the upper Ohio river valley. This War had about a million casualties, and this war ended with treaties that significantly expanded British territory in North America. The battle of the Plains of Abraham, a key event, led to the British victory over the French. -
The Quebec Act
After the War, the Royal Proclamation of 1763 would bring the Quebec land and its people to be part of the British Empire. The Quebec Act would revoke the Royal Proclamation and would gain loyalty of the French in the province. The Quebec Act would expand the boundaries of Quebec into the rest of Canada's empire and make it easier to trade with one another. The Quebec Act was put into affect on May 1st 1775. -
The Calder Case
The Nisga`a people of British Colombia fought for their land rights from the 1800 to 1999. Frank Calder, a Nisga chiefs son, played a pivotal role in the struggle. The Calder case led to recognition of Aboriginal title, this ultimately resulted in the Nisga`a treaty in 1999 granting self-governance over their ancestral land. -
Smallpox
Smallpox came to BC in the late 18th century, but the disease had already laid waste to many other communities before that. This spread mainly happened when a man on a boat to Victoria from San Francisco brought the disease with him and the disease made its way to a First Nations encampment by a port, and with the Europeans getting sick they demanded that the First Nations leave. Canada then made the "arm to arm" method of vaccine, which did not help the First Nations who were suffering -
The War of 1812
The war of 1812 was between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815, the fight was in North America. The fight started from issues such as trade restrictions and impressment. Indigenous Nations played a complex role, having to align with either side. Tecumseh, a leader, tried to unite different Indigenous groups against American expansion, treaties were signed although they did not consider Indigenous peoples needs leading to the loss of their land. -
Gold Rush
The Gold Rush in Canada was primarily based in British Colombia in the 1850's and 1860's. The discovery of gold in the area would transform European and First Nation peoples lives. The main area for discovery was in the Cariboo Region and along rivers like the Fraser valley river and the Thompson river. With the increase of people and the motivation of thousands people, the presence of the First Nations were seen as irrelevant and not respected. -
The Confederation
The British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the province of Canada joined together to form the Dominion of Canada. On July 1st, 1867 Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the province of Canada united into one federation. The confederation creates new markets, makes railway companies more profitable and helps people enter the territory to settle land in the west. -
The Indian Act
The Indian Act was made by Canadians and affected the Indigenous people how have been living on the land for years. The goal for the new comers was to take the First Nations cultural, social and economical practices and transform into the Canadian way of life. -
Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) is a significant part of Canadian history. The CPR started construction in 1881 and finished in 1885, it spans across Canada to about 20,100 kilometers long. The CPR had a big impact, particularly on the 15,000 Chinese workers employed for the Dangerous construction, with 600 of them loosing their lives. The completion of the CPR also led to rapid rush of European immigrants, which led to displacement of First Nations people. -
The Number Treaties
The numbered treaties were agreements between the Crown and First Nations from 1887 to 1921. They provided the Crown with land for development and settlement. In return, First Nations received promises such as land rights, cash, and hunting and farming tools. These treaties are still important today as they were used as political tools to achieve goals for their people -
Forced Sterilization and Medical Experimentation in Residential Schools
From 1942-1976, Indigenous kids in Canada residential schools were forcibly experimented on, including medical and nutritional tests, causing severe harm and death. These events still impact Indigenous communities to this day. -
White Paper
The White Paper was proposed by Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in Ottawa, he wanted to change indigenous policies, wanting to dismantle the Indian Act and combine Indigenous people into mainstream Canadian society. This document suggested the termination of special legal status for Indigenous communities and the removal of reserves. The White Paper was later rejected by Indigenous communities across Canada -
Highway of Tears
Highway 16, known since 1969. This highway has a tragic history with as many as 240 reported Indigenous disappearances. The RCMP confirmed 18 deaths in 2006. Poverty and lack of transportation options lead many Indigenous people to hitchhike, often disappearing. Despite warning signs and rural transport options introduced in 2017, the issue persists, causing local Indigenous communities to be scared. -
The Oka Crisis
The Oka Crisis was a 78 day standoff because a proposed expansion of a gold course. This took place in Kanesatake, near the town of Oka. The standoff was between the Kanyen`Keha:ka protesters, the RCMP, Quebec police, and Canadian army. The land was then purchased by the Canadian government.