Canada and Residential Schools
Canada's residential school system stemmed directly from the government's goal of assimilating all Indigenous peoples. Here is a look at how some government policies and laws launched and sustained the residential system.
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1763
Canadian Laws and Policies Concerning Indigenous Peoples
A royal proclamation by King George III states that all lands remain property of Indigenous people unless they are either ceded or sold, saying Indigenous people "should not be molested or disturbed" in the quest for territory.
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1831
History of Residential Schools
The Mohawk Institute becomes Canada's first school in the residential system, in Brantford, in what is now Ontario.
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1844
Canadian Laws and Policies
The Bagot Commission recommends assimilating Indigenous people by separating children from their parents.
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1867
Canadian Laws and Policies
Under the Constitution Act, Indigenous people, the land reserved for them and education become a federal responsibility.
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1876
Canadian Laws and Policies
The Indian Act establishes who is an "Indian," and gives the government exclusive rights to create legislation regarding the people and their lands.
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1879
Residential Schools
The Davin Report calls on the government to establish a boarding school system that separates children from their parents to better "civilize" Indigenous children.
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1884
Canadian Laws and Policies
An amendment to the Indian Act bans two Indigenous ceremonies, including the potlach. Later amendments outlawed more ceremonies, dances and festivals.
Residential Schools
The Indian Advancement Act provides funds for the creation of residential schools to be operated by the government and the churches.
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1920
Residential Schools
Attendance at residential school becomes mandatory for every Indigenous child aged seven to 15.
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1930
Residential Schools
At its peak, more than 17,000 students are attending 80 residential schools across the country.
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1951
Canadian Laws and Policies
Bans on traditional practices and ceremonies are removed.
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1955
Residential Schools
The federal government expands the residential school system in the North.
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1960
Canadian Laws and Policies
Status Indians gain the right to vote without giving up their status.
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1969
Residential Schools
The agreement between the churches and government ends, making the federal government responsible for the remaining schools. A few local bands take control of the schools.
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1982
Canadian Laws and Policies
An amendment to the Constitution Act recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights.
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1996
Canadian Laws and Policies
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples makes 440 recommendations, including an inquiry into the effects of residential schools.
Residential Schools
Gordon Indian Residential School, the last federally run residential school, closes in Punnichy, Sask.
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2007
Canadian Laws and Policies
The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the largest class action settlement in Canadian history at the time, sets aside a multibillion-dollar fund for survivors and funds a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The TRC is officially established in 2008.
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2015
Canadian Laws and Policies
The TRC releases its final report and 94 calls to action.