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In 1876, the Canadian government passed the Indian Act.
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In 1876, the Indian Act defined who was an "Indian" under the law and outlined what "Indians" could and could not do.
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1876 to 1918, only 102 Indians were enfranchised
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Throughout its history, the Act has sparked controversy. Though meant as a temporary measure, it has been changed many times and still affects the lives of Aboriginal peoples today.
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Indian Act was used in banning traditional practices of Aboriginal peoples, controlling their education, governing their reserve lands, and restricting their political actions.
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Indian Affairs from 1913 to 1932 stated: "The happiest future for the Indian race is absorption into the general population, and this is the object of the policy of our government.
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The over 3000 Aboriginal soldiers who fought with the Canadian forces during World War II
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For a brief time in the 1920s, the federal govern-ment tried to enfranchise Indian veterans of World War I against their will.
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Agents of the Department of Indian Affairs enforced the Act for most of its history and had almost dictatorial control over many aspects of Aboriginal peoples' lives.
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It was not until 1960 that Registered Indians received the right to vote in Canadian elections without having to give up their status.
