discrimination for first nations peoples

Question 1

what were reserves and why were they created?

Answer 1

land set aside for exclusive First Nations use; created to help persuade First Nations peoples to sign treaties giving up most of their land

Question 2

what did it mean to be a “status Indian”?

Answer 2

they were eligible to receive the benefits promised in treaties

Question 3

what is assimilation and why was it the government’s policy towards First Nations peoples in the 1920s?

Answer 3

“absorb”; introduce the First Nations peoples into the broader Canadian society- they did this to avoid having to deal with their culture and treaties

Question 4

what was the League of Indians?

Answer 4

an organization whose focus was to make First Nations peoples’ voices heard

Question 5

why did Frederick Loft believe the League of Indians was necessary?

Answer 5

even after their contribution in the war, First Nations peoples were denied veteran benefits, denied the same rights as other citizens, and some were forced to give up land

Question 6

why were Residential Schools created?

Answer 6

“civilize” the First Nation peoples’ children so they would fit into Canadian society; education was the key to assimilation (English was the language of instruction and children were forbidden from speaking their first language)

Question 7

what were the conditions like in the Residential Schools?

Answer 7

Christian religious values were emphasized while Aboriginal spirituality was condemned; children were separated from siblings and friends and housed in dormitories; teachers were often harsh and cruel; students were often required to do housework or manual labour