1763 – Royal Proclamation – Defined the relationship between First Nations and the Crown
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 defined Aboriginal title and the treaty process for extinguishing it. By the mid-19th century, momentum was building within the Canadian government for an education program that would “civilize” Aboriginal children and, by the late 19th century, aggressively assimilated them into the Canadian Christian mainstream
1844 – The Bagot Commission recommends agriculture-based boarding schools located far from parental influence
1857 – The Gradual Civilization Act is passed
An Act to encourage the gradual civilization of the Indian Tribes in the Province of Canada (present day Ontario and Quebec), and to amend the laws respecting Indians was passed by the 5th Parliament of the Province of Canada. By the application of the act, Indian and Métis males would lose all of their legal rights, as well as any land claims and would become British subjects. It was called “enfranchisement,” and was one of many policies that would be passed to aggressively assimilate Aboriginal populations.
1850s-1860s – Assimilation of Aboriginal peoples through education becomes official policy
1867 – The Constitution Act (British North America Act) creates the Dominion of Canada
Legislative power is transformed from the British Crown to the Government of Canada
1876 – The Indian Act is passed
The Indian Act of 1876 secured government control over Indian rights, status, and lands. A series of amendments increased the government’s control over Indian lives and lands. Crushing prohibitions, designed to extinguish what were considered by many Euro-Canadians to be uncivilized and savage cultural practices, were introduced. The Indian Act also allowed the government to realize its ambition to assimilate Aboriginal peoples through the creation of residential schools. The Indian Act gives the government exclusive rights to create legislation regarding Indians and Indian lands.