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Jun 24, 1497
John Cabot claims NFLD for Britain.
John Cabot and his expedition of 1497 was the first European expedition to actually reach Canada. This led to more expeditions further down the Saint Lawrence, and the eventual foundation of new colonies, cities, and the formation of Canada. -
Jul 24, 1534
Jacques Cartier claims the Saint Lawrence region for France.
Jacques Cartier's first voyage in 1534 is the first instance of European coming into the interior of the Saint Lawrence. As John Cabot hadn't entered the Saint Lawrence. Though he was certain at this point he was in Asia, he travelled two more times to the area and then realized that this was not Asia, but a new land. His settlement did not last for long, and was abandoned, however his voyages were the first French presence in Canada. -
New France founded.
In 1608 Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City, effectively founding New France in the process. The city still stands and is one of the oldest in North America, this is the true start of colonization of Canada. It was founded on Cartier's old settlement, this time however, it would be permanent. The natives did not attack this settlement, and the city quickly grew. -
Hudson's Bay Company charter.
On the 2nd of May, 1670, King Charles II granted The Hudson's Bay Company a royal charter to be the only trading power in the Hudson's Bay drainage area. Effectively giving them control and being the de facto government over all of Rupert's Land, and essentially anyone within it. -
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7 Years War
Despite being fought all over the world, the war also had a big impact in the Americas. The British wanted to claim some of the land the French had, and the two sides also shared different views on the natives, the French had allied with them whereas the British saw them as an obstacle in their conquest of America. In the end, France lost, and ceded all of their territories to Britain and Spain. -
Royal Proclamation Of 1763
In 1763, after the end of the 7 Years War, King George III issued a royal proclamation that claimed all land given to Britain by France was officially British land. But it also stated that any unclaimed land would be Indian territory. -
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British Immigration
In the early 1800's, the Industrial Revolution was starting to take full effect, however this put people out of jobs, and Ireland was going through a famine. Meaning many wanted to find a new place to live. So over 800000 people immigrated to Canada and made anglophones the largest group in the Americas. With this rapid expansion came the removal of yet more natives, as they were pushed farther East yet again by this large influx of immigrants. -
Confederation
With royal assent, and votes in. Canada became a self governing dominion of the British Empire on the first of July, 1867. The original territory was only southern Ontario, Eastern Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. However it grew and now encompases nearly the entire Northern half of North America. The government was better in some ways to natives, but still committed atrocities. -
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Red River Rebellion
When Ruperts Land was transferred to Canada, the Metis in red river wanted more. They rebelled and protested for the creation of a province of their own, the result was the Creation of Manitoba. -
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Numbered Treaties
Over a period of fifty years, the crown and various Native American groups negotiated and made specific terms unique to each treaty area, mostly to give the government land in exchange for rights. -
Indian Act
The Indian Act was created in 1876 by the Canadian government in regards to the current state of Native Americans in Canada, and how they were 'uncivilised' as viewed by the government. It still exists today, with amendments however. -
First government funded residential schools opened.
Despite existing since the 1830's, residential schools had only started being funded by the government in the 1880's. They were meant to assimilate the Native Americans into a more European culture. -
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North-West Rebellion
The Metis once again felt threatened by the settlers who were moving westward more and more each year. They formed yet another rebellion to protest the government. The rebellion was defeated, and their leader Louis Riel executed. -
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
In wake of the Oka Crisis, the government addressed the many problems still alive with a royal commission. The commission itself proposed solutions for issues facing the aboriginals of Canada. -
Last residential school closes.
Gordon Indian Residential School was the last residential school to be active in Canada. Located roughly 120 kms North of Regina, it was also the longest running residential school. Having been in existence from 1876 to 1996. The school had an immense factor on the community of Gordon First Nation, and as always, was the epicentre of abuse of all forms. -
Truth and Reconciliation Commission established
12 years after the closure of the last residential school, the Canadian government went to apologise for its atrocities. The TRC was established to educate the public about the horrors in residential schools and let survivors tell their stories.
