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Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus discovers the Americas
Exposes First Nations to eurocentrism and what was believed to be the inferior culture of the European's. Revealed advanced European technologies to the First Nations. -
Company of New France granted monopoly on the Fur Trade
First Nations encouraged to convert to Catholicism. First Nations exposed to 4,000 settlers in New France. -
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Hudson's Bay Company and North West Company compete for fur
First Nations adapted to trapping and trading. Created tensions between divided First Nations tribes. Fur trade exposed First Nations to alcohol. -
British relations with First Nations after Seven Years War
First Nation tribes that feared British takeover unsuccessfully attacked British forces. After this, First Nations weakened to the point of having to negotiate with the British. -
Destruction of the Beothuk
An entire culture was destroyed by undernourishment and disease after being intentionally driven away from their home by Europeans. Almost nothing remains of the Beothuk culture today, thanks to the Europeans. -
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Residential Schools
Inforcing the assumption that the First Nations culture was unable to adapt to modern society. This devasted the First Nations culture with widespread assimilation and broke many familyl bonds. -
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The Indian Act
Defined who was Status Indian and therfore eligible to recieve benefits. This supressed culture; banned traditional practices. -
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Red River Resistance
Violence tensions created between First Nations and Metis already living in the area and the new settlers. The British assigned themselves complete control over land already inhabited. -
The Smallpox epidemic
Killed thousands of Cree and Blackfoot along with their culture. Had no choice but to sign British treaties in order to recieve food and security. -
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The Numbered Treaties
The Europeans forced their money driven culture on the First Nations who don't believe in ownership and land. This was the beginning of the "cash for land" approach. -
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Canadian Pacific Railroad constructed
The construction of the railroad destroyed traditional land and food supplies (buffalo) of the First Nations. Kickstarted many treaties and the building of reserves.
