Part 3: Indigenous Legislation & Proposals

Indian Act (1876)

Federal law used to control Indigenous peoples, lands, and identities and promote assimilation.

Main goal of the Indian Act

To assimilate Indigenous peoples into mainstream Canadian society.

The Pass System

A system requiring Indigenous people to obtain permission to leave reserves; it restricted their movement.

White Paper (1969)

Federal proposal to abolish the Indian Act, Indian status, reserves, and special treaty rights.

Who introduced the White Paper?

The federal government under Pierre Trudeau, led by Indian Affairs Minister Jean Chrétien.

Why was the White Paper rejected?

Indigenous leaders believed it would erase their distinct rights, treaties, lands, and identities.

Red Paper / Citizens Plus (1970)

Indian Association of Alberta response rejecting the White Paper and defending Indigenous rights.

Who led the Red Paper?

Harold Cardinal and the Indian Association of Alberta.

Meaning of "Citizens Plus"

Indigenous peoples should have Canadian citizenship plus their distinct treaty and Aboriginal rights.

What happened to the White Paper?

The federal government withdrew it in 1971 after strong Indigenous opposition.

Métis Population Betterment Act (1938)

Alberta legislation that established land bases for Métis communities.

Métis Settlements Act (1990)

Transferred ownership of settlement lands to Métis settlements and strengthened self-government.