1. History of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

2. Aboriginal Peoples Archaeological evidence indicates that Aboriginal peoples have lived in Canada for at least 11,000 years

3. European Settlers Viewed aboriginal way of life as inferior to the Euro- Canadian model Discrimination practiced

4. Royal Proclamation, 1763 Issued by King George III after Britain defeated France (Seven Years’ War) Attempt to stabilize relations with aboriginal people

5. Royal Proclamation, 1763 Recognized Aboriginal rights: –1) people lived as nations on their land –2) treaties to be negotiated with crown Basis of many modern land claims

6. 1867 No aboriginal leaders invited to Confederation Goal = assimilation Force Aboriginal peoples to abandon their traditions & adopt European way of life Methods: –1) reserves –2) enforced farming –3) residential schools

7. Indian Act, 1876 Addressed status, reserves Status Indian: an Aboriginal person registered under the Indian Act Status = certain rights/benefits

8. Indian Act - Reserves Non-status Indian: An Aboriginal person who is not registered Reserve: land set apart for a band’s use Main purpose: to free up land for European settlers

9. Enforced farming Farming encouraged, rather than hunting Soil unsuitable Poor equipment / livestock provided Many experienced hunger, difficulty selling crops

10. Residential Schools Education of children responsibility of federal gov’t Indian Act = creation of “residential schools” Residential school, 1894

11. Residential Schools Aboriginal children forced to learn English & adopt Canadian customs Encouraged to abandon their identity & traditions

12. Residential Schools “boarding school” concept - removal from families Mandatory attendance Approx. 150,000 children enrolled

13. Residential Schools - Issues Rampant spread of diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis Poor maintenance Conflict between federal gov’t and families Residential school, Nova Scotia, 1930

14. Residential Schools - Issues Poorly equipped to clothe students, particularly during winter Frequent fires, few safety measures Inadequate, poor quality food Physical labour demanded from students

15. Residential Schools - Issues Teachers poorly trained – could not teach students much beyond completely alien ideologies

16. Residential Schools - Issues Child abuse - sexual abuse, physical punishment, neglect Few opportunities to see their families Separation from siblings

17. Residential Schools 1951: Aboriginal children allowed to attend public schools 1990’s: United Church, several Catholic orders accepted responsibility for harmful practices June 11, 2008: official apology

18. Residential Schools Many believe residential schools were responsible for creating social & behavioral problems - Schools under intense scrutiny as allegations of abuse became public The last school closed in 1996 Gordon School, Saskatchewan