 1763 |
Royal Proclamation of King George III specifies that “Nation to Nation” treaties must be negotiated and signed before Aboriginal land can be opened for non-Native settlement. |
1849 |
Vancouver Island becomes a Crown Colony. |
1850 |
James Douglas began making treaties on Vancouver Island. |
1858 |
More than 30,000 gold miners arrive Stó:lō territory looking for gold. |
1864 |
The “Queen’s Promise” was made by Governor Seymour in New Westminster. |
1864 |
Unable to raise the necessary funds for treaties, Governor James Douglas opts to defer the process and creates large reserves identified by the Stó:lō leaders. Before the reserves are officially registered Governor James Douglas retires and surveyor William McColl dies. Joseph Trutch is appointed Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works with jurisdiction over land development and Indian Affairs. |
1871 |
The Colony of British Columbia becomes a province within the Canadian Confederation. It is the sixth province to join the Dominion of Canada. Federal Indian legislation (the Civilization Act and the Gradual Enfranchisement Act) now apply to Aboriginal people in BC. |
1875 |
The BC Land Act of 1874 is disallowed by Canada because it disregards Aboriginal title |
1876 |
The first Indian Act is passed – which consolidated the Civilization Act and the Gradual Enfranchisement Act. |
1884 |
A 14-year-old Stó:lō boy named Louie Sam ( a member of the Sumas Band) is lynched by a mob of American vigilantes on the Canadian side of the border. Several hundred angry Stó:lō men and their families gather in Chilliwack, armed with muskets, pistols and ammunition, and make plans to retaliate. Instead they are convinced to allow the Canadian government to bring the American murderers to justice. Ultimately, the Canadian authorities solve the crime, but take no action to bring the suspects to justice. |
1884 |
The potlatch is made illegal through an amendment to the Indian Act. |
1886 |
Methodist missionary Charles M. Tate opens an Indian school at his home in Chilliwack. It’s called “Coqualeetza Mission Home,” it is not located on the contemporary Coqualeetza complex but “on Knight Road” near Skulkayn [Skowkale] Indian Reserve. |
1888 |
Indian “food” fishing was introduced because laws make it illegal to sell fish. |
1906 |
A delegation of three traditional Chiefs travel to London to meet King Edward VII regarding outstanding land claims. They are refused on the grounds that Indian land claims are purely a Canadian matter. |
1927 |
The Indian Act prohibits raising money or hiring lawyers to pursue the land question. |
1938 |
British Columbia Order in Council 1036 gives final conveyance of title to Indian reserves in British Columbia to the federal government |
1949 |
Indians receive the right to vote in provincial elections. |
1951 |
The Indian Act is amended repealing the anti-potlatching law and the banning of hiring lawyers. |
1961 |
Aboriginal people living on reserves are granted the right to vote in federal elections. |
1969 |
The federal government introduced the “White Paper Policy” which was designed to eliminate the Indian Act and Indian Affairs. It was opposed by the Indians and led to the formation of the Union of B. C. Indian Chiefs and the National Indian Brotherhood, which is now the Assembly of First Nations. |
1973 |
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in the Calder (Nisga’a) case that Aboriginal title existed prior to the assertion of crown sovereignty. 3 of the Judges ruled that Aboriginal title still existed. 3 others ruled that it was extinguished by operation of law and the seventh judge ruled that the Nisga’a should not be in Court as they failed to obtain a “fiat” (permission) to sue the Crown. The three judges that ruled against the Nisga’a agreed with the seventh judge and this became the “ratio” of the case. |
1990 |
R v Sparrow: The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Aboriginal right to fish is constitutionally protected and that the Aboriginal fishing interest comes before all other interests except conservation. |
1992 |
The First Nations Summit, Canada and British Columbia established the B.C. Treaty Commission Agreement. The B.C. Treaty Commission is established and members appointed by the Parties. The Treaty Commission is to be the “Keeper of the Process”. |
1994 |
Stó:lō Nation Canada and Stó:lō Tribal Council join to form Stó:lō Nation. Stó:lō Nation enters into the B.C. Treaty Process on behalf of 18 First Nations. |
1997 |
Regina v Delgamuukw: The Supreme Court of Canada decides that Aboriginal title has not been extinguished in BC. It provides the first legal definition on Aboriginal title and also provides guidance on demonstrating Aboriginal rights. It is hailed by Aboriginal groups as a landmark decision that significantly alters the balance of power in favour of Native groups. |
2007 |
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the
General Assembly of the United Nations. Only Canada, the U.S. Australia and New Zealand voted against. |
2008 |
Established the Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association consisting of 7 Stó:lō First Nations: Aitchelitz, Leqá:mel, Popkum, Skowkale, Skawahlook, Tzeachten and Yakweakwioose.
http://collectionscanada.ca/aboriginal/020008-3000.3-e.html
Library and Archives Canada - Aboriginal Resources and Services - frequently Asked Questions. This link will provide historical information on the Indian Act.
http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-i-5/latest/rsc-1985-c-i-5.html
CAN LII is a website developed by the federation of Law Societies of Canada to provide access to the statutes of Canada ad the Provinces/Territories. The link above will take you to the Indian Act as it exists today.
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