THE RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM IN CANADA
From the early 1830s to 1996, thousands of First Nation, Inuit,
and Métis children were forced to attend residential schools in
an attempt to aggressively assimilate them into the dominatnt
culture. Many of the major events of the residential schoo lera are
shown here. Visit for a comprehensive
timeline and to learn more about the history and legacy of the
Residential School System.
100
YEARS
OF LOSS
1620
The Recollets─a religious
order from France─establish
the first residential school,
near Québec City.
1844
The Bagot Commission
recommends the
establishment of
manual labour schools
for Aboriginal children.
1867
The
Constitution Act
(also
known as the
British North
America Act
) creates the
Dominion of Canada which
includes Ontario, Quebec,
New Brunswick, and
Nova Scotia.
1763
The
Royal Proclamation of
1763
, issued by the British
Crown, acknowledges
Aboriginal land rights as
“…not having been ceded
to or purchased by Us, are
reserved to them.”
1831
Mohawk Indian Residential
School opens in Brantford,
Ontario.
1857
The
Gradual Civilization Act
requires that all Indian males
over the age of 21 who can
speak, read, and write English or
French will be “enfranchised,”
meaning that they must
renounce their Indian status and
become a British subject.
1884
Amendment to the
Indian
Act
─traditional Indian
ceremonies, such as
potlatches and the Sun
Dance, are prohibited.
1883
Following recommendations
made in the Davin Report, Sir
John A. Macdonald authorizes
creation of residential schools in
the Canadian West.
1872
The
Dominion Lands Act
encourages European
settlement in the prairie
provinces by giving 160
acres of land away to any
settler who will build a
homestead on the land and
cultivate at least 40 acres.
1876
The
Indian Act
is enacted and
gives government exclusive
right to create legislation
regarding Indians and Indian
lands. This act identifies who
is an Indian and establishes
related legal rights.
1889
Allegations emerge of
physical and sexual abuse
at Rupert’s Land School in
Selkirk, Manitoba.
1879
The
Davin Report
recommends the
creation of a system of industrial
schools where children are
intentionally separated from their
parents to reduce the influence of
the “wigwam”.
First Nations and Métis, including Louis
Riel, Gabriel Dumont, Poundmaker, and Big
Bear, fight for the recognition of land and
treaty rights in Saskatchewan. Riel and other
leaders are hanged for treason. Poundmaker,
Big Bear and others are imprisoned.
1914
Amendment to the
Indian Act
─western
Aboriginals must seek
official permission before
appearing in Aboriginal
“costume” in any public
dance, show, exhibition,
stampede, or pageant.
1896
Forty-five residential/industrial
schools are operating in
Canada.
