1. Canada’s Aboriginal Population
Aboriginal peoples – descendants of Canada’s original inhabitants
First Nation – Aboriginal group wishing to be treated as distinct based on common culture and history

2. Federal government divides Aboriginals into three groups
Indian
Status Indians – entitled to rights through treaties
Non-status Indians –are not covered under treaties
Inuit
Aboriginal people living in the Arctic
Métis
Of Aboriginal and European
descent

3. The Treaty-Making Process
French first signed treaty with Canadian Aboriginals in Made treaties as equals for common goals (military). (Aboriginals predominant)
When England dominated the New World in 1759 many Europeans immigrated to Canada – treaties tended to favour British
British want land; Aboriginals want rights protected (live undisturbed) = reserves
British Royal Proclamation or 1763 = land-ownership rights of First Nations were to be respected & they should have fair payment for land they gave up --- Unfortunately not always kept

4. Indian Act, 1876 – treaties signed that made Aboriginal peoples give up their land claims permanently in return for cash, goods, and fishing and hunting rights to carry on traditional life
Canadian government believed reserves would disappear as Aboriginals entered mainstream culture
1923 = final land in Ontario given through treaty. Treaty-making ended for 50 years (treaties never signed in BC or NWT into; 1970s) Treaties now = compensation

5. Problems Caused by Treaties
1. Loss of Land and Economic Base (way to support themselves)
Reserves make up <1% of Canada’s area for 1mil. Aboriginals
Reserves on poor land
Reserves difficult to leave: stay = friends and family but often unemployment and poverty; leave = better economy, but
loss of community

6. 2. Lack of Self-Government
Federal government “in charge”
Caused many negative effects for the Aboriginal people – land issues, residential schools, attempts to assimilate
Aboriginal Peoples treated unfairly in the past; trying to right some of that now : Constitution Act, 1982 recognized Aboriginal issues; compensation
Still seeing negative responses today = protests
Ipperwash Beach 2014 (CTV, CBC)
Read Case Study pg #1, 4, 7, 8