Before Kelowna

Major Historical Accomplishments and Quotations under Previous Liberal Governments

(1873-2006)

Written by: Carolyn Gardner Public Affairs Officer Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
February 27, 2008

The Alexander Mackenzie Years

(1873.11.07 to 1878.10.08)

-1874September 15- Signing of Treaty number 4

-1875September 20- Signing of Treaty number 5

-1876Treaty 6 is signed March 2 First Reading of the Indian Act, An Act to amend and consolidate the laws respecting Indians and provide for the consolidation of the several Acts of the Dominion with respect to Indians March 30 David Laird, Minister of Indian Affairs, The Indians must either be treated as minors or as white men.
Rt. Hon. Alexander Mackenzie, This gentlemen had no doubt that if whites were kept away from these Indians for a few more years they would be civilized.

-1877February From Speech from the throne regarding a recently negotiated Indian Treaty 6: Rt. Hon. Alexander Mackenzie The Canadian policy is nevertheless the cheapest, ultimately, if we compare the results with those of other countries. Canadas approach was above all a humane, just and Christian policy. April 20 th th Indian Act Amendment Bill (120) to repeal 16 section, amend 17 and 69 sections- Bill th 26 withdrawn on April September22 Signing of Treaty number 7

The Laurier Years

(1896.07.11 to 1911.10.06)

November 22, 1985 Hon. Wilfrid Laurier (as Opposition Leader) If [I] had been on the banks of the Saskatchewan when the rebellion broke out, he reportedly said, [I] would have taken up arms [myself] against the government.. Riels execution was a judicial murder. How could M. Chapleau. have been a party to this cold-blooded murder of a compatriot?
. . . .

-1898May 17 Bill 144, An Act to Amend the Indian Act introduced to amend section 33 and 38, to allow Indian funds to be used for making surveys on reserves where necessary and to make compensation to Indians for lands taken from them. Other sections included giving Sup. General power to stop payment of annuity to any Indian parent of an illegitimate child, to cut off annuity to any Indian woman who leaves her husband and family, and to reduce the number of chiefs and headmen from the proportion of one to thirty to two for each two hundred.

-1905Amended Indian Act to allow Aboriginal people to be removed from reserves near towns with more than 8,000 residents

-1906June 15 Bill 194, An Act to Amend the Indian Act passed. This changed the amount of the immediate and direct payment that may be made to Indians upon the surrender of their lands, up to 50% for first payment.

-1910February 11 Bill 141, An Act to Amend the Indian Act first introduced and later passed. This dealt with the occupation of Indian lands by others than Indians, so that the right of Indians may be established. There was 2 clauses to protect the right of Indians in any moneys due to then from the government that are not subject to attachment by legal process.

-1911April 10 Bill 177 introduced (did not go through, the House fell) This Bill stated that railway or public work could pass through an Indian reserve when ordered under provincial statute. Reserves within 10 miles of a major city (10,000 or more) can make application to the Exchequer court on behalf of the Indians to decide whether or not it would be advisable to dispossess the Indians from that reserve, and place them elsewhere (court would resolve). April 10 (Speaking on Bill 177) Frank Oliver, Minister of Indian Affairs, It is a matter of law and administration that the Indian right stands in the same position as a private right of other parties and must give way to the public interest in this construction of a railway... the present condition of the law practically means that the will, or wish, or it may be said even the whim, of a small band of Indians actually stands in the way of the will of the people. .The Bill embodies the principle that it is considered right and proper to give expropriation rights against Indian lands to railways chartered by Dominion authority... While we want to pay every respect to treaty rights-and I think nobody will accuse any government of Canada of doing otherwise than paying the fullest respect to treaty rightsit is absolutely necessary, in a progressive country, that existing circumstances and existing conditions should be taken account of.
.

Rt. Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier- To a certain extent this legislation does interfere with the rights of Indians. Minister Oliver cont., The object is not to derogate from the right of the Indians in any way, but to secure to the Indians the benefit of the rights which have been given them.

The Mackenzie King Years

(1921.12.29 to 1930.08.06 and 1935.10.23 to 1948.11.14)

h.

-1922June 15 Bill 142, An Act to Amend the Indian Act introduced. This repealed section 7 dealing with compulsory enfranchisement and to ensure that land remains in control of the bandwhether occupied by a soldier or any other Indian. Subsequently passed. June 19 Charles Stewart, Minister of Indian Affairs regarding the practice of Potlatch It is the desire of the department to stop this practice and not particularly celebrations or other matters incidental to the ceremony (concern over Indians impoverishing themselves)... We can do more with them by encouragement, by endeavoring to get them to do what is in their own best interests, instead of by legislative action that has a spirit of compulsion about it.

-1924June 6 Bill 191 Indian Reserve Lands Bill introduced to confirm the agreement of a settlement of certain questions between the governments of Canada and Ontario respecting reserve th lands, defining the respective rights of each. Passed July 8 June 10 Bill C-172, An Act to Amend the Indian Act. This would include the control of the Eskimos under the Indian Act. This was the first attempt by the government to bring Eskimos under the Act. Passed July 14th

7 June20 Charles Stewart, Minister of Indian Affairs, You have to have some control of the Indians, or they would never have a dollar to pay their debts. They would sell their stuff, it would be gone and that would be the end of it... Eskimos are not Indians.

-1927Indian Act amended to prevent anyone (aboriginal or otherwise) from soliciting funds for Indian legal claims without a special license from the Superintendent-General. This effectively prevented any First Nation from pursuing aboriginal land claims.

-1930March 5 Bill 22 An Act to Amend the Indian Act introduced. This would extend the school age of Indian children by one year, allow the Superintendent General to retain a child in a school under certain circumstances until he or she is 18 and can operate farms on reserves for st instruction purposes. Passed April 1

March 31 Hon. Charles Stewart, Our position with respect to the Eskimos and the territory over which they roam is that we claim that we own the territory, and therefore the residents in that territory must be Canadian.

-1936Indian Act amended to allow Indian agents to direct band council meetings, and to cast a deciding vote in the event of a tie February 13 Bill C-4, First Reading ofAn Act to Amend the Indian Act to deal with property of Indians who were deceased so that the band could purchase property out of the band funds as well as a section regarding additional penalties for potlatch ceremonies that was subsequently removed. Subsequently passed. March 20 Thomas Alexander Crerar, Minister of Indian Affairs, I think it is only fair to say and I believe that those in the House who were informed on the matter will agree with me- that the general doing away with the potlatch idea has been beneficial to the Indians as a whole.

-1938April 7 Amendment to the Indian Act, to make provision respecting leases of mineralized areas and advances to assist agriculture and other pursuits. There would also be a new departure in Indian administration by the provision of a revolving fund. The Minister of Finance would have authority to advance money up to $350,000 for the purpose of making loans either to individual Indians or reserves or other matters connected with th Indian welfare work. Passed June 7

-1941March 27 Bill C-24 An Act to amend the Indian Act introduced to the House dealing with regulations controlling the buying of wild animals and skins from Indians. th Passed May 27

-1945November Health of Indian people became the responsibility of the Department of National Health and Welfare.

-1946May 13 Hon. James Allison Glen, Minister of Mines and Resources (Responsible for Indian Affairs) introduced resolution for the appointment of a Joint Committee to examine and consider the Indian Act instead of having a Royal Commission. This lasted from 1946 to 1948. There were 8 particular areas they would examine: 1) Treaty rights and obligations 2) Band membership 3) Liability of Indians to pay taxes (off reserve) 4) Enfranchisement (voluntary and involuntary) 5) Eligibility of Indians to vote (with restrictions) 6) Encroachment of white persons on reserves 7) Operation of Indian day and residential schools 8) Any other matter pertaining to social or economic status of Indians

9 Hon. J.A. Glen I find it difficult to convince myself that an extending Indian reserve system, imposing controls and wardships and reducing Indian responsibility to the minimum, would be or could be in the best interests of these people. This committee presented 3 reports.

-1948William Albert Boucher- Rosthern, Sask. First Metis Liberal candidate elected to the House of Commons

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The St. Laurent Years

(1948.11.15 to 1957.06.20)

-1951Amendment to the Indian Act to allow the sale and slaughter of livestock without an Indian Agent permit. Status women are allowed to vote in band elections. Attempts to pursue land claims, and the use of religious ceremonies (such as potlatches) are no longer prohibited by law. Further amended for the compulsory enfranchisement of First Nations women who married non-status men (including Metis, Inuit and nonstatus Indian, as well as non-aboriginal men) thus removing their status and that of any children from the marriage February 27 Amendment to the Indian Act intruduced in the House to provide, inter alia, for band funds and expenditures therefrom, and for other appropriations in case of deficiency or lack of band funds. Passed May 17th.

-1952December 12 Hon. Walter Harris, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (Indian Affairs) introduced Bill C-3 7 an Amendment to the Indian Act respecting loans and seizure of goods. Passed April 20t, 1953. Hon. Walter Harris, If an Indian having had certain land alloted to him, desires to have it broken up and cleared and is not in a position to do it himself, we could lend him the money equivilent to the cost of having a contractor clear it.

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-1953June 19 Indian Bill- Amendment #439 introduced in the House by Hon. John Pickersgill Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to provide for the changes in administration amount of loans, etc. Passed August l4.

-1957William Albert Boucher (Metis) Rosthern, Sask. Appointed to the Senate

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The Pearson Years

(1963.04.22 to 1968.04.19)

-1963May31 Hon. Frank Howard (Liberal) introduced Bill C-67for a Court ofIndian Claims. First Reading only. December 14 Indian Claims Bill C-130 introduced to consider a provision for disposition of Indian claims. Withdrawn to permit consultation with First Nations.

Hon. Guy Favereau, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (Indian Affairs): Regarding the programs that the government provides- To be successful we need not only the assistance of all levels of government but also of voluntary organizations, private individuals and the general public, and above all the active support, co-operation and assistance of the Indian people themselves.

We must make it possible for them of their own free will and in their own time, to regain self-confidence, to maintain pride of race and achieve control under their own leadership. This result when attained, will eliminate the need for special programs, special legislation and special services. Our objective in amending the Act will be to give the Indian people a stronger voice on the conduct of their own affairs.

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-1964February 27 Mention of establishing an Indian Claims Commission in the House by Rene Tremblay. Hon. Rene Tremblay, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (Indian Affairs): It is essential- and it this is the governments responsibility, that of the Liberal Party- to help them (Indians) feel more proud of belonging to a race as good as any other, by promoting their cultural development in the Indian community itself through schools and the setting up of social groups, which will prompt them to become conscious of the importance of their group and help them maintain their self-respect as Indians. The Indians can be proud, not only because they have remained Indians, but because they have succeeded in sharing the same advantages as all other Canadians.

-1965June21 Indian Claims Bill C-123, First reading. Provision for establishment, duties, etc. 1) To provide for the establishment of an Indian Claims Commission 2) To provide for the duties of the Commission, its decisions and awards 3) To provide for appeals from the decisions and awards of the Commission to an Indian Claims Appeal Court 4) To provide assistance to Indian bands in preparing and pursuing claims 5) To enact such financial provisions as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Act. The Bill subsequently dies on the order paper in the fall due to the election.

-1966June 21 First National Aboriginal Day

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The Trudeau Years

(1968.04.20 to 1979.06.03) (1980.03.03 to 1984.06.29)

-1968Leonard Stephen Marchand- Kamloops-Cariboo, BC First Nation Liberal Candidate elected to the House of Commons November 5 Rt. Hon. Pierre Trudeau, There is a long term intention on the part of the governmentand this is to be debated, I suppose, as part of our Indian policy- to arrive eventually at a situation where Indians will be treated like other Canadian citizens of the particular province in which they happen to be.
Hon. Jean Chretien, Minister of Indian Affairs, What we want-and the Indians are in agreement- is that they should become equal citizens in Canada.

December 11 Hon. J. Chretien, We consider that the National Indian Brotherhood is a step in the right direction. We encourage the Indians to form provincial associations and we also think that it is advisable for them to have a national association.

-1969June 25 Statement ofthe Government of Canada on Indian Policy introduced (White Paper)

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Hon. J. Chretien, The Indian people should have the right to manage their own affairs to the same extent that their fellow Canadians manage theirs. Under present conditions they do not have anything like this degree of control over their land, their funds, or in fact any of their responsibilities... True equality presupposes that the Indian people have the right to full and equal participation in the cultural, social, economic and political life of Canada. November 20 Mr. F.J. Bigg (Athabasca, Liberal): So far our treatment of them (Indians) has been far from acceptable to these people. No matter how high and mighty we talk, we are not treating them as equals, we never did, and we are not doing so today.

-1971Guy R. Williams (First Nation) British Columbia appointed to the Senate

-1972June 6 Question Period- Re: Metis and Non-Status Indians- suggested designation of departments to deal with problems W.B. Nesbitt (Oxford) Can the Prime Minister tell the House which department of his government and which Minister will be designated to take responsibility for the special problems that concern some 700,000 Canadians? Rt. Hon Trudeau, It is impossible to see that all aspects of the lives of some 700,000 Canadians can be taken care of by one department or one Minister.., we would hope that all government departments would be open to them and in dealing with their many areas of concern.

-1973Specific Claims Policy instituted.

th April 6 Committee established to negotiate the rights of Natives in the Yukon.

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-1974Office of Native Claims (ONC) established within Indian Affairs Department with the dual role of reviewing Indian claims arising from government failure to discharge lawful obligations and representing the government in negotiations with First Nation groups. October 7 Bill C-15, Indian Oil and Gas introduced. Bill was intended to ensure that equitable benefits from oil and gas production on Indian th th lands go to the Indian people. Passed November 29 and received RA on December 20

-1975November 11 First Comprehensive Claim signed- James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement

-1976May 11 Rt. Hon. Pierre Trudeau, The federal governments first preoccupation was with the Status Indians, those who do come under the administrative authority of the federal government. The others (non- status), the Metis are provincial citizens. Like every other provincial citizen we hope the provincial governments will not consider them to be forgotten citizens..

-1977Willie Adams (Inuit) Northwest Territories appointed to the Senate

-1978January 31 Signing of first Comprehensive Claim with subsequent signing of the Northeastern Quebec Agreement June

17 A Time for Action gave priority to the place of native peoples in Constitutional renewal. Bill C-60- Constitutional amendment and opportunity for Native government dialogue on proposed Charter of Rights. Did not pass. June 15 Hon. James Hugh Faulkner, Minister of Indian Affairs Let me repeat that the Indian Act is not a peripheral issue, it is not marginal, it is central. Unless we can deal with it with the best will in the world, governments or departments will not achieve the objectives that the Indians have today. The underlying aim of the first phase of the Indian Act revision, perhaps most revisions would be- and that is absolutely crucial- to enlarge the powers, functions, and responsibilities of bands to enable them to take care of their own affairs in ways and means of their own choosing. Mr. Ross Milne, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Indian Affairs): What we are proposing in relation to legal status of bands and transfer of powers and responsibilities is something which extends beyond the notion of developing band government for Indian people. It is something which promises to reach to the heart of the social and economic development of the Indian people. October and November Native observers invited and welcomed by Prime Minister Trudeau to the First Ministers Conference.

-1980April 29 Prime Minister Trudeau speaks at the National Indian Brotherhood All Chiefs Conference. July 7 Question Period Question by Ms. Flora MacDonald (NDP) Will the Prime Minister show his governments commitment to human rights by immediately taking steps to remove Section 12 (1)(b) from the Indian Act, thereby giving Indian women equality before the law...? Prime Minister Trudeau, The subtlety is that we do not want to impose a solution on the Indian people. We all recognize Indians as having a culture of their own and having a right to preserve that culture. I think the attempt by my government back in 1969 to not

18 only delete that section but, perhaps to abolish the Indian Act in its entirety was a lesson... that it was not wise even to go in a progressive direction over the heads of the Indian leaders themselves.

July17 Mrs. Celine Hervieux-Payett (Parliamentary Secretary to the Governor General) tabled a document titled, Declaration of Solidarity of Canadian women Parliamentarians to recognize equal rights for Indian women. November 7 Rt. Hon. Trudeau, The precise definition of those rights in a written constitutional document is something, I repeat, that we have assisted the Indians, native people, Metis and the Inuit to research for themselves... I would merely want to point out to the honourable member that I think the simple claim of Aboriginal rights, without anyone knowing exactly what it means, is not a matter which one can convincingly argue should be put in the constitution at this time... I think everyone would want to know what Aboriginal rights are, what is their extent, to whom they apply, and so on.

December 2 Mr. Doug Firth, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of National Health and Welfare: Canadians have an enormous obligation to the original people who inhabited this continent thousands of years before the first white man arrived. The task of all of us is to assist them to establish their place in society where they can feel that their culture and their social and economic development is secure. This places an enormous responsibility, not only on the Indian people, but also on all other Canadians. December 21 Mr. Ray Chenier, Parliamentary Secretary for Indian Affairs: There are many aspects of the present Indian Act which severely inhibit the ability of Indian governments on reserves to take adequate responsibility for their own social, economic, political and cultural development. The legal status of the present system of band councils has been queried on a number of occasions... thus the ability of band councils to be considered as valid government bodies in their own right has not encouraged the commitment of developmental funds from other actors of the Canadian business community which is essential if the human and physical potential of reserves is to be fully developed.

-1983September 12 First report of the Special Committee on Indian Self-government tabled by Mr. Keith Penner.

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-1984Charlie Watt (Inuit) Quebec, appointed to the Senate Leonard Stephen Marchand (First Nation) British Columbia, appointed to the Senate June 18 Bill C-47, Indian Act Amendment Bill respecting birth of children introduced by Serge th Joyal, Minister of Indian Affairs and passed on June 29 June 27 Bill C-52- An Act Relating to Self-Governmentfor Indian Nations introduced by Hon. John Munro, Minister of Indian Affairs and never passed.

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The Chretien Years

(1993.11.04 to 2003.12.11)

-1993Paul DeVillers, Metis Liberal candidate elected for Nunatsiaq, NWT Elijah Harper, First Nation Liberal candidate elected for Churchill, MB

-1994Established the Building Healthy Communities- $273 million- part of national strategy to respond to urgent health concerns in First Nations communities. January 26 Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien, I think it would be very prudent to have a system of Indian self-government, after several years, at which point we would know exactly how it operates and that it is working well. If we had to entrench it in the Constitution at that time, we could do so. February 8 Rt. Hon. J. Chretien, Mr. Speaker, we have clearly explained out policy concerning the possibility of increasing native self-government so that the First Nations control their own problems on their own reserves.

May31 th Bill C-34 Yukon First Nation Self-Government Act introduced, given RA on July 7

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th Bill C-33 Yukon First Nation Land Claims Settlement Act introduced, given RA July 7

December 15 Bill C-55 Yukon Surface Rights Board Act receives RA.

-1995Established Aboriginal Head Start- early development program

May18 Hon. Ron Irwin, Minister of Indian Affairs, In the Red Book we maintain that Aboriginal people in Canada want two things: first, a new partnership with government based on trust, mutual respect, and participation in decision making; second, a strengthening of their communities.., our goal was a Canada where Aboriginal people would enjoy a standard of living and quality of life and opportunity equal to those of other Canadians..

-1996Laurence D. OBrien (Metis) Liberal candidate elected to the House of Commons for Labrador, NFLD.

Introduced a five year plan to establish alternative justice systems for Aboriginal peoples December 10 Bill C-75, An Act providingfor the ratUication and the bringing into effect ofthe Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management introduced. Died after second reading. (Later re-introduced as Bill C-49 in 1999) December 12 Bill C-79 An Act to Permit Certain Modflcations in the Application ofthe Indian Act to Bands that Desire Them first introduced. Only went to second reading before dying.

-1997-

22 Nancy Karetak-Lindell (Inuit) Liberal candidate elected to the House of Commons for Nunavut, Northwest Territories Thelma J. Chalifoux (Metis) appointed to the Senate for Alberta. June 17 Bill C-49 First Nations Land Management Act passes (formerly Bill C-75) December 12 Bill C-79 The Indian Act Optional Modification Act introduced in the House and subsequently died on the order paper.
Hon. Ronald A. Irwin, Minister of Indian Affairs, From the outset this government has sought to form a new relationship with First Nations, a relationship founded on the cornerstone of self-government. We have made significant progress toward that goal and look forward to the day when the inherent right of Aboriginal peoples to self-government is fully implemented throughout this country.

-1998Aurelien Gill (First Nations) appointed to the Senate for Quebec Aboriginal Languages Initiative brought about to revitalize and maintain Aboriginal languages. Gathering Strength- the federal governments response to the recommendation of the Royal Commission released. June 11 Bill C-49 An Act Providingfor the Ratification and the Bringing into Effect to the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management introduced and received RA on June17 1999.

-1999Nick G. Sibbeston (First Nations) appointed to the Senate for Northwest Territories

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-2002June 13 Bill C-60 SpecUIc Claims Resolution Act introduced. This is to establish the Canadian Centre for the independent resolution of First Nation Specific Claims to provide for the filing, negotiation and resolution of specific claims and to make related amendments to other Acts. (Is re-introduced as Bill C-6 in October)

June 14 Bill C-61 First Nations Governance Act introduced. This was an act respecting leadership selection, administration and accountability of Indian bands, to make related amendments to other acts. Later re-introduced as Bill C-7. Hon. Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs: Bill C-61 would see band governments more politically and financially accountable to their own people. The legislation is intended to promote free and open elections to ensure First Nations people are able to fully exercise their democratic principles... Individual band members would have access to information and a direct voice in decision making about their communitys development. It would also give then the right to redress for grievances against the band and the section of the Indian Act which stops First Nations people from accessing the Canadian Human Rights Commission would be repealed... Most important, the proposed act would give band governments the tools they may require to address socio-economic challenges and improve living conditions. October 9 Bill C-6 The Specific Claims Resolution Act, An Act to establish the Canadian Centre for the Independent Resolution of First Nations Specific Claims to provide for the filing, negotiation and resolution of specific claims and to make related amendments to other Acts. RA on November 7, 2003. (Was former Bill C-60) Bill C-7, First Nations Governance Act, An Act respecting leadership selection, administration and accountability of Indian bands, and to make related amendments to other Acts. Dies after second reading. December 2 Bill C-19 An Act to provide for real property taxation powers offlrst nations, to create a First Nations Tax Commission, First Nations Financial Management Board, First Nations Finance Authority and First Nations Statistical Institute and to make consequential amendments to other Acts introduced. Dies on the order paper.

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The Martin Years

(2003.12.12 to 2006.02.05)

Speech from the throne February 3, 2004 Rt. Hon. Paul Martin, With our partners, we will tackle head-on the particular problems faced by the increasing number of urban Aboriginals and Metis. We will not allow ourselves to be caught up in jurisdictional wrangling, passing the buck and by passing their needs.

-2004David Smith (Metis) Liberal candidate elected to the House of Commons for Pontiac, Quebec. March 10 Bill C-23 First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act introduced. Dies before third reading. (Re-introduced as Bill C-20 later) September Prime Minister Martin secures an agreement from the provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leaders called the Aboriginal Health Blueprint with $700 million in new funding and an additional $1.3 billion (as mentioned in the Securing Canadas Success in 2006) November 2 Bill C-20 First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act re-introduced and receives RA March 23 2005.

-2005-

25 Todd Norman Russell (Metis) Liberal candidate elected to the House of Commons for Labrador, NFLD. Sandra M. Lovelace Nicholas (First Nations) appointed to the Senate for New Brunswick. June 1 Bill C-54 First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act An Act to provide first nations with the option of managing and regulating oil and gas exploration and exploitation and of receiving moneys otherwise held for them by Canada introduced. th RA on November 25 November Agreed to a 10 year action plan with respect to education, health care, housing, infrastructure and economic opportunities at First Ministers Meeting.

November 2 Bill C-7 1 First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act An Act respecting the regulation of commercial and industrial undertakings on reserve lands first th introduced. RA November 25 November 25 Kelowna Accord press release issued by Prime Minister Martin promising $5.085 billion over 5 years **Bill C-292 An Act to Implement the Kelowna Accord was later introduced and passed in the House on October 16, 2007

-2006January Tina Keeper (First Nations) Liberal Candidate elected to the House of Commons for the riding of Churchill, MB Gary Merasty (First Nations) Liberal candidate was elected to the House of Commons for the riding of Desneth-Missinippi Churchill River.