1867: A New Nation(talkin’ ‘bout my f-f-f-f-Federation)

The Original ‘Confederation’: 1867 British North America Act unites several of the

British North American colonies. Quebec Ontario New Brunswick Nova Scotia

Government = Constitutional Monarchy The official head of state is the Queen, limited by a

constitution. Most power held by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet

First Prime Minister:

John A MacDonald

The Federation Develops Social forces at play:

Industrialization (more industries created)

Immigration (more people coming to Canada)

Urbanization (more people moving to cities)

All of this leads to need for EXPANSION

Expansion Canadian

government wanted to acquire territory to the west. To Settle To get larger

economic base. Protect it from

Americans.

Sweet Deal

Canada buys land from the Hudson’s bay company… 6,475,000 km2. This will become, essentially, the prairies (Manitoba, Sask, Alberta)

Price Tag: 1.5 million$

Which Trade’s Fair??

Sold this week.Price-tag: 1.5 million dollars.

Sold 141 years ago.Price-tag: 1.5 million dollars

Aboriginal People Canada wanted the Aboriginal Land to the West. Indian Act (1869) considered native people

minors, under the protection of the government. No political rights

Negotiated treaties… got land in exchange for Reserves Food and Clothing Medical Services

Residential Schools and AssimilationThomas Moore as he appeared when admitted to the Regina Indian Industrial School, after tuition at the Regina Indian Industrial School [ca. 1897]

Residential Schools (extra info)1857 - Gradual Civilization Act passed to assimilateIndians.

1870-1910 - Period of assimilation where theclear objective of both missionaries and government was to assimilate Aboriginal children into the lower fringes of mainstream society

1920 - Compulsory attendance for all childrenages 7-15 years. Children were forcibly taken from their families by priests, Indian agents and police officers.

1931 - There were 80 residential schools operating in Canada.

1948 – There were 72 residential schools with9,368 students.

1979 – There were 12 residential schools with1,899 students.

1980’s - Residential School students began disclosing sexual and other forms of abuse at residential schools.

1996 - The last federally run residential school, the Gordon Residential School, closes in Saskatchewan.

1998 - The AFN establishes the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Unit.