The Indian Act and the NW Rebellion 2008 Harper gave Federal Apology

Wab Kinew: 8th Fire

The Royal Proclamation of 1763 A document that set out guidelines for European settlement of Aboriginal territories in what is now North America. Ownership over North America is given to the King. States that all land is to be considered Aboriginal land until treaty is reached. Only the Crown (the Royals) can buy land from Aboriginals. Set the foundation for establishing treaties. WHAT WAS PROMISED WAS NEVER UPHELD.

Small Pox Wipe Out (1862) 1/3 of Aboriginal populations in Canada are wiped out by foreign disease. There are cases recorded of intentional spread. Allows a more manageable control of Aboriginal peoples by European colonizers. Smallpox is particularly rampant.

The Indian Act of 1876 Canadian federal law that governs Indian status, bands, and reserves Highly invasive and paternalistic as it governs over the day to day lives of Aboriginal peoples and their lands and homes. Aim was to assimilate. Defined who could be a status Indian under the government. Set up reserves and forced Aboriginal people to live on these plots of land. Controlled cultural practices and tradition through Indian Agents "The great aim of our legislation has been to do away with the tribal system and assimilate the Indian people in all respects with the other inhabitants of the Dominion as speedily as they are fit to change.” –John A. Macdonald

The Indian Act Continued… GENDER DISCRIMINATION: Historically, Aboriginal society was not always male dominated. Women’s status was completely tied to their husbands status. An Aboriginal woman would lose her status if she married a non-Aboriginal man. Lost her treaty, reserve, and burial rights. If a Aboriginal man married a non-Aboriginal woman she would immediately gain Aboriginal status. If a woman was widowed or divorced, she would immediately lose her status. Women could not claim status for their children.

THE NORTHWEST REBELLION REASONS THE METIS WERE FRUSTRATED. Could not re-create the Red River Settlement. Troubles gaining land titles in Red River & the Northwest. Canadian gov’t had its own agenda –> Natives not part of treaty process. Prairie land was to pay off railway and debts. Gov’t slashed “Indian Dept.” budget less food/no farming. Promised farm/land aid never happened. Blackmail => “Difficult Indians” FN who did not follow the Law were starved and received no food relief. By 1884, many First Nations people starving. Status under Indian Act unclear THE BLACKFOOT

NORTH WEST REBELLION - RIEL RETURNS In 1884, Riel returned from the US. The Metis convinced Riel to leave his teaching job and return to Canada to fight for his people. Riel returned with peaceful intentions and created the Metis Bill of Rights much more detailed than the List of Rights and included Metis frustration With the desire to be equal. With his return everyone thinks there will be another rebellion. John A MacDonald’s CPR is going bankrupt and he wants to finish the railway quick..needs to defend against Metis rebellion. By March of 1885, Riel knew the Metis could not achieve rights peacefully. “Justice commands us to take up arms” LOUIS RIEL BATTLES - DUCK LAKE - FISH CREEK - BATOCHE GABRIEL DUMONT

ROLE OF THE FIRST NATIONS The Cree supported the Metis and fought with them for their rights and land. The Blackfoot opted not to fight as Chief Crowfoot felt change was inevitable & he wanted the best deal possible for his people. “Pragmatist”. (realist, pratical) He understood that Change would happen anyway and wanted the Least difficult option. CREE CHIEF POUNDMAKER CREE CHIEF BIG BEAR After the loss at Batoche Canadian troops arrested the Aboriginal leaders and they were either pardoned or sentenced to short prison terms. They were mislead children brainwashed by Riel PATERNALISM BLACKFOOT CHIEF CROWFOOT Who was being most loyal to their people?

RIEL’S ARREST By May, Riel was arrested and Dumont had escaped to the US. Riel’s lawyers recommended he plead insanity. Riel refused as went against everything he had been fighting for. Riel was found guilty of high treason but the judge and jury recommended Clemency. The Canadian gov. wouldn’t Have it and… Riel was hanged Nov. 16, 1885. MARTYR???? Riel’s jury - What emotion do you see?