The Land Of Yesterday

The Constitution Act 1791 The Constitution Act 1791 was an act passed by British Parliament which divided New France into 2 new colonies Upper Canada = Ontario Lower Canada = Quebec

Big Shocker….Sarcasm! First Nations were not consulted or even considered in the making of the Constitutional Act of 1791 Another example of ignoring First Nations land claims and territorial right Why would this be a problem?

European vs Aboriginal Views on Land Ownership Property was the ownership of individuals Created artificial/ political boundaries using fences and boarders that did not follow natural patterns The land is shared and owned by the community Followed natural boundaries rather than artificial boundaries Coexisting with the land

Taking Advantage Colonial governments and land developers were quick to take advantage of this difference in attitude How? To Europeans, land that had not been surveyed or did not legally belong to anyone was considered free land waiting to be taken First Nations were left with a fraction of their former territory, loss of resources, and loss of their way of life

Colonial Growth Came at the Expense of First Nations The Fur Trade and the creation of Canada was only possible because of the contributions of First Nations Yet it was at the expense of First Nations: Died from disease brought by Europeans Starved after losing land or traditional food sources Forced of their lands for European settlement Loss of traditional way of life and hunting grounds

Populations of the New Colonies Lower Canada Upper Canada Was New France French Speaking culture Catholic religion French Civil Law Chateau Clique controlled the government Becomes Quebec English speaking Protestant Religion British laws and institutions Loyalists Family Compact controlled the government Becomes Ontario