Section 5. Government/Organisation

Canadian Federal Policy

Under Section 91(24) of the British North America Act, the newly formed federal government of Canada took authority over the Indians and their land. Early legislation mainly repeated colonial policy, with some minor alterations. The assimilation of the Indian people into European-Canadian society was the goal of legislation during this period.

In 1869, the Act for the Gradual Enfranchisement of Indians granted power to the federal government to impose a system of elected local governments on Indian Bands. A European political system was thus imposed. Anyone considered unfit to hold office could be removed. Those bands that had experienced "civilization' were required to relinquish their traditional form of government. Bands unwilling to accept this change had little recourse. The government could impeach Indian officials.

In 1876, the Indian Act was passed. Its framework of Indian legislation remains largely unchanged today. This Act included the earlier, colonial ideas of protecting the Indians. It also set out stricter requirements for non-Indian use of Indian lands. The goal was still assimilation. The government also tried to encourage and direct the process of "civilization". It altered the policy on Indian Band government. The elective system would no longer be imposed, but it could be applied if a band requested it. Bandgovernments were given increased authority, but they were still under government control. This legislation was imposed. Many bands in eastern Canada made it clear that they did not want the federal government to govern them and manage their affairs.

The government hoped to use enfranchisement as a way to assimilate the Indians into European-Canadian society. It would not only extinguish Indian culture but would also eliminate the need for government agencies to deal with the Indians. When an Indian was enfranchised, the land allotted to him was no longer considered part of the reserve. Thus, when all Indians were enfranchised, the reserves would cease to exist.

In the west, where the government felt the Indians were not yet "civilized" enough to be assimilated, legislation was introduced to encourage the process. The Indian Act was amended. The government could depose chiefs and councilors where the elective system was not being applied. Band leaders in the west even more strongly resisted the innovations of the Reserve System. They rejected the government's efforts to eliminate traditional beliefs and values. Legislation prohibited traditional activities such as ceremonials and the traditional nomadic hunting-and-gathering lifestyle. Instead, Christianity and farming were encouraged. The government concentrated on changing the younger generation. Residential and industrial schools were built to remove children from the "harmful" influence of their "uncivilized" parents and Indian traditions. Indians refused to send their children to these schools. Legislation was then passed to enforce attendance.

The next major change in policy occurred in the early 1900s. The government then criticized the Reserve System as preventing assimilation. Reserves were also seen to slow down the economic development and growth of the area. Legislation followed that would force Indian people off the reserves. It would also free reserve land for non-Indians. New conditions were developed to encourage enfranchisement. Since few Indians were seeking this "honor," Indians living off the reserve were allowed to apply for enfranchisement. The government also had the power to enfranchise individuals who had not applied. Indian women who married non-Indians were encouraged to give up their Indian status.

Annabel Cropped Eared Wolf, Shuswap Political Activity 1910-1995, SCES, 1996/97