Canadian History Jan 16th

Contextual Overview
- Continuation from previous lecture (Tuesday).
- Summary of events, primarily from textbook, with additional information from various sources.
- Reminder of upcoming AQ&A and posting materials on D2L tomorrow.

Treaty Signing Motivations
- Indigenous peoples sought assurances for land and resources for future generations.
- Collective desperation among Plains peoples due to deteriorating conditions.

Peoples Discussed:
- Métis, particularly in Red River area.
- Indigenous groups: Blackfoot, Plains Cree, Nakota, Assiniboine.

Major causes: Encroaching colonization leading to resource depletion and cultural dislocation.
Bison Population Decline
- Bison hunting was a central economic activity for thousands of years, especially post-Ice Age, with significant cultural and economic importance.
- Colonists utilized bison for industrial products, leading to mass extermination of herds.
- An example of warfare against Plains peoples involved targeting the bison to weaken their sustenance and resistance.

Drought and Climate Fluctuations
- Years 1860-70 marked by drought, insufficient winter precipitation, and spring prairie fires.
- Plagues of Rocky Mountain Locust further exacerbated food scarcity by damaging crops and native flora.
- Resulted in food shortages and material poverty among indigenous and farming communities.
Health Consequences of Poverty
- Malnutrition weakened immune systems, facilitating outbreaks of contagious diseases: Smallpox, influenza, malaria, measles, whooping cough.

Theoretical Treaty Provisions
- Rations of food, clothing, medicine, and annuity payments promised in exchange for land.
- Training in European farming as a pathway to self-sufficiency.
Reality of Treaty Implementation
- Federal Indian policy involved private contractors who prioritized profit over adequate provisions.
Reported Failures
- Contractors provided rotten food or led to cruel punishment practices for indigenous peoples.
- Reported conditions included indigenous individuals suffering from exposure and starvation due to inadequate rations and access to traditional foods.

Government Policies Toward Indigenous Farmers
- 1880 legislation disallowed sale of produce without Indian agent approval, with severe penalties for noncompliance.
- Introduction of Peasant Agriculture Policy restricted farmers to small land plots and limited them to hand tools, justified by stadial theory.
- This echoed a continued use of antiquated methods to stifle indigenous progress.

Restrictions on Traditional Food Sources
- Access to fishing and hunting diminished, leading to reliance on government-controlled food supplies.
- Reserves alienated from lucrative resources such as timber, further reinforcing economic disparities.

Colonial Policies' Role in Shaping Indigenous Identities
- Systematic policies attempted to portray indigenous peoples as anti-modern and inferior, fostering a narrative of poverty.
Reality vs. Perception
- Pre-contact views of indigenous success and sustainability contrasted sharply with colonial assessments, leading to significant long-term socio-economic issues.

Louis Riel's Role and Legacy
- Historical significance stemming from the execution of Thomas Scott during the Red River Rebellion and Louis Riel's reputation thereafter.
- The presence of English speaking Protestants and the Orange Order fostered anti-Catholic sentiments against Riel.
Political Dynamics Post-Rebellion
- Riel's exiles led to the emergence of the Metis community and its ambitions for land rights and fair treatment.

Metis and Indigenous Alliance
- The 1885 uprising was predicated on grievances regarding land legislation and political representation.
- Development of a 10-Point Bill of Rights addressing land administration, rights for English-speaking Metis, and better treatment of indigenous peoples.

Execution of Louis Riel
- Riel was put on trial, trying to reject an insanity defense due to fear it would undermine legitimate grievances of the rebellion. He was ultimately executed.
Continued Colonial Control
- Assorted amendments to the Indian Act resulted in collective punishments for status Indians post-uprising, limiting autonomy and movement.

Objectives of Residential Schools
- Schools aimed to assimilate indigenous peoples, emphasizing abandonment of traditional lifestyles and languages.
- Education was geared towards providing manual labor skills, deterring competition with the European workforce.
Testimony of Abuse and Neglect
- Accounts revealing severe abuses (physical/psychological) in residential schools leading to a culture of impunity.
Health Issues in Schools
- High mortality rates primarily attributed to overcrowded and poorly managed institutions.

Circular Justification of Inequities
- Policies justified by stereotypes perpetuated from historical misconceptions of inferiority leading to continued loss of resources and cultural identity.

Enduring Impact on Indigenous Communities
- Survivorship of indigenous peoples despite historical attempts at cultural eradication.
- Rise of networking and advocacy organizations in the early 20th century as a form of resistance and persistence amidst colonial oppressions.
Invitation for Discussion
- Open floor for comments and further discussion on the topic.
- Mention of assignments and future topics, transitioning into the exploration of 20th-century changes.