Shannen's Dream - Timeline and Documents

We try our best to provide information in both English and French. Unfortunately, French resources are not always available and we will provide them in English. We apologize for the inconvenience.

  • 1870s-1990s

    The federal government forces First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children from their home and places them in Residential Schools operated by the church. Many children experience emotional, physical, and sexual abuse while attending the schools. The goal of residential schools was assimilation – punishing the expression of Aboriginal cultures and languages. Read more about the Residential School system.

  • June 22, 1869

    The Gradual Enfranchisement Act, 1869, removes Indian status from women who marry non-status First Nations. Children of that marriage were prevented by the government from obtaining that Indigenous status and rights. Read the Gradual Enfranchisement Act, 1869.

  • March 29, 1867

    The federal government enacts the Constitution Act, 1867 (previously known as the British North America Act), and officially takes control over “Indians and lands reserved for the Indians." Read the Constitution Act, 1867.

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