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Canada is named from the Algonquin word for village-- 'Kanata'
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Étienne Brûlé was a young French explorer who came with Samuel de Champlain as one of the first explorers to come from France. He took to the lifestyle of the First Nations and travelled with them, learning the habits, customs and languages of the indigenous peoples. He explored much of the unknown wilderness contributing to the geographical knowledge of New France. Champlain sent him to live among the Huron people, he scouted the rivers and forests and served as a guide and interpreter for him.
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Europeans brought diseases against which the First Nations didn't have immunity. Sometimes they did this intentionally, sometimes not. Ailments such as chicken pox and measles, though common and hardly ever fatal in Europe, were deadly to the First Nations; half of the Huron Nation were wiped out by European sicknesses.
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The French and Indian War, also known and the Seven Years War, was because of an imperial struggle, a clash between the French and English over colonial territory and wealth. In the end the British defeated the French.
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King George the Third issued deal to help organize Britain's land in North America and to improve relations with the First Nations. This document reserved lands for the Aboriginals, and states that negotiations were to be done with the government, and results were to be recorded. Britain alone had the right to purchase Aboriginal hunting and fishing grounds, but gave First Nations the right to hunt and fish on these acquired lands.
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Canada becomes a country. The colonies join together under the name of the "Dominion of Canada". Sir John A. MacDonald is the first prime minister. The original provinces are Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
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The Metis are led by Louis Riel to resist the imposition of Canadian authority in the northwest. Manitoba joins confederation.
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The Europeans constant demand for bison result in in First Nations no longer having the natural materials they need to survive available at all times. They purchase copper kettles and steal utensils while some move from Manitoba to the Northwest
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The Indian Act defines the special status and land regulations of Aboriginal peoples who live on reservations. Natives can't vote, and do not have to pay taxes.
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First Nations relied on the buffalo to survive, and they were dissapearing fast due to European settlement. They signed a treaty with the government of Canada saying that they would given money, land, medicines and other goods that they would need. It also guaranteed assistance for famine or pestilence relief.
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These schools were opened to turn Aboriginal children to European- Canadian ways by separating them from their families. The schools were funded by both the government and church at that time. All the children at the residential schools had to give up all their own beliefs and traditions or else face severe punishment. This meant no longer talking in their native tongue, practicing their religion, etc.
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Alberta and Saskatchewan become part of Canada.
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This Act ended Canada's need to be partially governed by Britain. Canada no longer needed to request changes in law from Britain; it could be self governed.
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First Nations Women are given back the right to keep their First Nations status even after marrying non-Natives. This right applied to their children as well, but excluded grandchildren who did the same thing.
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The last Residential School, which was located in Saskatchewan, closes down.
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The act is changed to allow First Nations living off of reserve to vote in band elections and referendums.
