10,000 – 2000 BCE
Indigenous settlements and communities are present coast to coast with established religious, artistic, and literary practices, as well as socioeconomic and political systems.
The “Doctrine of Discovery” is made a year after Christopher Columbus’s first journey to America. This decree was made without consulting indigenous peoples and did not recognize their rights. This is how Europe claimed the legal title to the “new world”.
1493
1600s
Indigenous technology, knowledge, and supplies are crucial to the survival of Europeans and early colonial economy and society. This established alliance gives Indigenous Peoples access to European weapons and goods. Missionaries also arrive to convert Indigenous Peoples to Catholicism.
Royal Proclamation signed by King George III declaring control over North America giving limited recognition of title to Indigenous Peoples. It also provides guidelines for negotiating on a nation-to-nation basis.
1763
1828
The Mohawk Institute is opened in Upper Canada (Ontario) and begins to operate as the first residential school.
The British North America act is signed, transferring Colonial responsibility for Indigenous Peoples and lands to a new federal government.
1867
1876
The Indian Act is passed by the federal government. This act had the goal of regulating Indigenous economics, politics, and social structure to facilitate assimilation. The Indian act greatly restricted the rights and freedoms of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
The residential school system is authorized with the intention of forcing Indigenous children to assimilate into Euro-Canadian culture.
1883
1885
Métis and allies lead a 5 month resistance against the federal government in Saskatchewan and Alberta demanding improved rights.
Inuit people are forcefully moved from Inukjuak to Ellesmere and Cornwallis Islands.
1953
1960s – 1980s
Thousands of Indigenous children are removed from their families and placed in boarding schools or foster care with Euro-Canadian families. This was exceptionally traumatic and left many children with a loss of cultural identity.
The last residential school in Canada is closed, marking the end of this system. The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Report is published and recommends public inquiry into the effects of residential schools.
1996
2015
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report is published, documenting the experiences of 150,000 residential school students and survivors
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