Indigenous Rights Timeline With Attitude

Sled Dog Slaughter

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1950

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From the 1950s to the 1970s the Canadian government killed thousands of Inuit sled dogs. This is an example of decline as killing their dogs forced the Inuit into certain areas as the dogs were a large form of transportation. This devastated their trade, and of course, took an emotional toll.

Arctic Relocation

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1953

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In July of 1953, the Canadian government forced 87 Inuit people from northern Quebec to islands in the far north of Canada. This is an example of decline as the Inuit people were moved against their will and effectively cut off from the rest of the country and placed in a land they weren't used to without any supplies or shelter.

The 60s Scoop

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1960

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Mostly during the 1960s through the 1980s indigenous children were taken from their families and put up for adoption. This is an example of decline because the children were kidnapped because the government declared that their living conditions were "unfit". Children were also usually adopted by white families who were told not to tell them anything about their heritage, resulting in a huge loss of culture.

Voting Rights

+1

1960

+1

In July of 1960, First Nations people get the right to vote in federal elections without having to give up their status or treaty rights. This is an example of progress as it allows First Nations people to participate in democracy and does not force anyone to give up their identity. Unfortunately, First Nations people still could not vote in some provincial elections.

Inquest into the Death of Chanie Wenjack

+1

1966

+1

After a coroner's inquest into Chanie Wenjacks's death, a jury says that residential schools cause enormous emotional and psychological pain. They recommend a study be conducted to see if residential schools are "right". This is an example of progress because people were acknowledging that there was something wrong with residential schools, unfortunately, they merely recommended a study and residential schools continued to operate for decades.

White Paper

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1969

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In 1969 a white paper is published by the federal government that suggests abolishing the Indian status, reserves, and the entire Indian Act, and giving responsibility for indigenous affairs to provincial governments. This is an example of decline as this would be an attempt to assimilate indigenous people and would be devastating to an already damaged culture. Fortunately, after extreme opposition, the government retracted the white paper and nothing came of it.

Inuit Territory

+1

1973

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In 1970 discussions about creating a new Inuit territory began. This is an example of progress as creating a new territory is an important step towards more self-governance. It is also an acknowledgement that the land is traditional Inuit territory and that the Inuit are the best ones to make decisions about their own land.

Anti-Sealing Campaign

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1976

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In 1976 Greenpeace led an anti-sealing campaign which attacked Inuit hunting practices. This is an example of decline as seal was and still is an important part of culture and trade in Inuit communities. The campaign economically devastated Inuit people for years and prevented many Inuit from learning this culturally important skill.

First Inuit in Parliment

+2

1977

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On April 5th, 1977, Willie Adams became the first Inuit person in parliament when he was appointed to the senate for the Northwest Territories. This is an example of progress as it was Inuit representation in government and a senator is a public position of power that can make a lot of important decisions, decisions that can impact the lives of other indigenous people in the Northwest Territories and eventually Nanavut.

Assembly of the First Nations

+2

1982

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In April 1982, the Assembly of the First Nations is formed. This is an important example of progress as the Assembly of First Nations is a form of self-governance that can advocate for the interests and uphold equality and important rights of First Nations people in Canada. The assembly oversees rights such as education, health, land, and treaty rights.