HLSC 3823U Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Gradual Civilization Act, First Nations, Potlatch
Document Summary
Enabled government to determine land base of these groups in the form of reserves. Largely retains its original form, even in present day. The origins of the indian act: a history of oppression and resistance. Gradual civilization act assimilates indian people in canadian settler society through enfranchisement. Enfranchisement terminating a person"s indian status, making them full. Canadian citizens: was voluntary because the government assumed that in order to become a. Canadian, they would be willing to give up their indian identity: became legally compulsory in 1876 until 1961. Gradual establishment act extreme control over indians: restricted governing powers of band councils, regulated alcohol consumption, determined who would be eligible for band and treaty benefits, gender-based restrictions of status. Federal governments banned potlatches under the indian act along with other ceremonies such as the sun dance. Canadians realized that aboriginal peoples were at a disadvantage. Prime minister trudeau in 1969 proposed a white paper policy for achieving greater equality for indians.
