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The Battle of the Plains of Abraham
The British won against the French on the Plains of Abraham, the battle took place in Quebec. The victory changed the tide paving the way for British rule over New France. The transfer of power resulted in changes in Canada’s boundaries, cultures, people and identity that continues to affect indigenous groups till this day. -
The War of 1812 (1812 - 1815)
Territorial boundaries of the US and Canada, as well as their national identities, were influenced by The War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The indigenous nations formed alliances based in their interests. Conflicting claims of ownership for post-war land resulted in Indigenous lands being lost. This led to a process which opened up room for subsequent talks, and conflicts between the settlers’ governments. -
The Gold Rush (1850 - 1860)
Fur trading had been the largest portion of the economy until the gold rush took place predominantly in British Columbia. This led to massive immigration of people to BC near the Thompson River and Fraser. The settlers drove out the Indigenous people there and failed to recognize their rights to own that land. However, the indigenous people resources would sell their knowledge to settlers. -
The Chilcotin War
During the Caribou gold rush, the Chilcotin War was fought between Tŝilhqot’in and settlers. Due to unlawful road construction, there were 14 fatalities initially and five after these events. Despite a parley agreement, but the Tŝilhqot’in were taken and five people hung. -
Confederation
Comprising the Confederation of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada, leading to the Dominion of Canada. This unity, established in Charlottetown, Quebec City, and London increased westward settlements, enriched railway income and made the federal government responsible for indigenous affairs. -
The Treaty of Washington
The treaty for peace between the US and Great Britain for resolving issues between the countries after the US Civil war. This treaty stated that Britain would cover all damages caused by confederate cruiser and ships launched from the British ports. This treaty also created reservations for Native Americans. -
Oregon Boundary Dispute
Spain, Great Britain, Russia, and the US competed for territorial expansion in Oregon. The treaty finalized the boundary that divided trade routes between Canada and the USA in the Pacific Northwest. -
The Indian Act
The newly created Canadian government attempted to assimilate First Nations peoples social and economic practices into Euro-Canadian culture. This act included amendments that defined strategies to dismantle Indigenous traditions, such as religion and residential schools. -
The Trial and Hanging of Louis Riel
Regarded as the creator of Manitoba, he was elected as an MP, after Riel together with the Metis formed a democratic government, this move was viewed differently by English/French Canadian's with some describing him as an outlaw while the Metis saw him as a hero in defending Metis rights and language. On the other hand, Riel saw himself as the just leader and emerged in 1884 with a resistance movement. -
Numbered Treaties (1887 - 1921)
Crucial agreements between the Crown and First Nations tribes. In return, they gave their ancestral lands to the crown for development and settlements. These included provisions of land, money payments, and other activities. Such treaties, however, maintained some political relevance, forging alliances toward similar objectives. -
The Calder Case (1967 - 1973)
It was the displacement of the Nisga'a people that prompted a legal fight for recognition and restitution. Frank Calder, who was the first indigenous person to be elected for BC’s legislature in 1949, was at the centre of this fight. White Paper provided a spark for legal action. Despite the dismissal of the case eventually negotiations ultimately led to the self-governance of more than 2000 km of lands. -
The Oka Crisis
A 78-day standoff over the proposed expansion of a golf course near the Kanesatake community. Indigenous people had a confrontation with the RCMP, the Quebec police, and the army, resulting in violence. The conflict closed with the Canadian government purchasing the disputed land, showing the effect of such actions on Aboriginal people, and bringing attention to the indigenous problems in Canada. -
The Gustafson Lake Standoff
A one-month conflict with the RCMP between First Nations Sun Dancers, the conflict between Sun Dancers and a local Rancher over private land access during ceremony. The RCMP surrounded the camp and after gun fight, no serious injuries were reported.” -
The James Bay Agreement (1989 - 1994)
Cree people were opposing the Quebec Hydro for constructing the three dams on their land without them being consulted. It would have interfered with their hunting and fishing. The Cree formed an advisory team that fought for the Cree to be compensated by education and health care. -
The Highway of Tears (1969 - present)
Along Highway 16 infamous for a large number of missing and murdered indigenous young women. Hitchhiking becomes dangerous as a result of limited public transportation. Out of 18 cases, only two are resolved, which includes the case of a 12-year-old girl who was missing for 18 years, with man who killed her only being charged in 2014.