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Royal Proclamation 1763
With the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and agreements made in treaties, the British Crown and later the Canadian government were required to provide an education for First Nations. By the mid-19th century. -
Report on Native Education
In his Report on Native Education (1847), Egerton Ryerson, superintendent for education, reiterated this idea, and also recommended that Aboriginal education focus on religious instruction and on agricultural training. -
Residential School
In 1849, the first of what would become a net work of residential schools for Aboriginal children was opened in Alderville, Ontario. -
1857 Gradual Civilization Act
The act required male Indians and Métis over the age of 21 to read, write and speak either English or French and to choose an approved surname by which they would be legally recognized. -
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The 11 Numbered Treaties
While many Aboriginal nations were skeptical of dealing with the new federal government, they had little choice. Declining buffalo herds and disease put many nations on the verge of extinction. They also risked the loss of their culture and way of life in the face of European settlement. To survive, many Aboriginals negotiated the surrender of land for very little in return: cash and supplies. -
The Indian Act
The Indian Act of 1876 secured government control over Indian rights, status, and lands. -
Davin Report
Davin Report was released, the idea of separating children from their parents as an effective education-and assimilation-strategy had already taken root. The persuasive example of what could be achieved through a ‘boarding school’ model like the one in the United States generated fervour to implement a similar system in Canada. -
P.H. Bryce Report
After visiting 35 residential schools, Dr. P.H. Bryce, chief medical o cer for Canada’s Department of the Interior and Indian A airs (1904–1921), reveals that Indigenous children are dying at alarming rates. Bryce suggests the mortality rate could be as high as 42%. -
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The Sixties Scoop
As residential schools close, thousands of Indigenous children are taken from their families by provincial and federal social workers and placed in foster or adoption homes. Often these homes are non-Indigenous. Some children are even placed outside of Canada. -
School closed
The last federally-run facility, Gordon Residential School, closes in Punnichy, Saskatchewan. -
Truth and Reconciliation
The Canadian government authorizes the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) to document the
truth and inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools. -
Final Report
The TRC issues its nal report, Honoring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future, documenting the tragic experiences of approximately 150,000 residential school students. The report also includes 94 Calls to Action.
