Shannen's Dream Timeline & Documents

Treaty No. 4 is signed. It is stated in the Treaty that, “Her Majesty agrees to maintain a school in the reserve allotted to each band as soon as they settle on said reserve and are prepared for a teacher.” Read Treaty No. 4.

Treaty No. 3 is signed. The government agrees to “maintain schools for instruction,” on reserves. Read Treaty No. 3.

Treaty No. 2 is signed. “Her Majesty agrees to maintain a school on each reserve hereby made whenever the Indians of the reserve should desire it.” Read Treaty No. 2.

Treaty No. 1 is signed. “Her Majesty agrees to maintain a school on each reserve hereby made whenever the Indians of the reserve should desire it.” Read Treaty No. 1.

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.

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.

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.