Canadian History: Immigration and Indigenous Impacts

Indigenous People: Indian Act 1876

• John A. Macdonald signed the Indian Act, aiming to assimilate Indigenous peoples into Euro-Canadian culture.
• The act gave the Canadian government control over Indigenous status, local Indigenous governments, and reserve land management.
• First Nations peoples' freedom and rights were restricted.
• Residential schools resulted from the Indian Act.
• The Act's impact on Canada was significant and continues today.

Immigration to Canada

• Clifford Sifton, Minister of the Interior, encouraged immigration to Canada, believing agricultural immigration was key to Canada's economic growth.
• John A. MacDonald also prioritized immigration, and was involved in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR).
• The CPR facilitated massive immigration, enabling the relocation of large numbers of settlers.
• After Confederation, Canada expanded, opening for mass settlement by immigrants.
• Oppression and persecution motivated some immigrants.
• Employment opportunities and the pursuit of a better life drew many.
• The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway made transportation and travel from the east to the west possible.
• The Dominion Land Act of 1872 created free and fertile land suitable for settlers, further encouraging immigration.
• The immigration boom leading to 1914 was a pivotal period for Canada's population growth.
• Significant industries, such as agriculture, mining, and oil, emerged due to the immigration boom.

Homesteading on the Prairies

• Clifford Stanley promoted Canada as a suitable place to live, attracting immigrants to the west.
• Immigrants were drawn to western Canada by government-offered homestead land at $10 for 160 acres, but the settlers had to build a house.
• Homesteaders faced isolation due to a lack of roads and bridges.
• Homesteading was often lonely; however, communities emerged as settlements grew.
• YMCA and YWCA helped settlers settle and find work.
• Homesteading declined in popularity after World War I due to lessened immigration and increased urban movement.

Building the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR)

• John A. MacDonald promoted the railway to develop the West.
• Sir Hugh Allan, a Montreal businessman, was originally contracted to build the railway.
• William Van Horne managed the construction of the rail in 1882.
• A "Pacific Scandal" arose during the election in which Sir Hugh Allan improperly gave significant funds to the Conservative party under Macdonald.
• This scandal led to further contract negotiations and exposure, resulting in Macdonald's resignation.
• A new project was given to the CPR company by the Canadian government which lead to the completion of the CPR in 1885.
• The railway improved travel across the country and stimulated immigration to the western provinces.
• It enhanced economic growth and enabled trade between provinces.

Creation of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP)

• John A. MacDonald created the NWMP, which later became the RCMP.
• Lieutenant Macleod enforces laws in the west and worked with indigenous people.
• The Canadian government sought volunteers with English and French language skills.
• The NWMP was established in 1873 to combat illegal liquor trafficking and establish law and order, this was in response to the Red River resistance.
• The establishment of a law enforcement presence supported the increasing settlement activity in the west.
• The NWMP, along with the Dominion Police,merged to form the RCMP in 1920 to establish one federal law enforcement institution in Canada.

The Gold Rush

• James Douglas governed the new colony of BC and Vancouver Island. He enforced laws on miners during the gold rush.
• Gold was found near the Klondike River in the Yukon in 1897-1899.
• The discovery attracted numerous gold-seekers, many from other areas of Canada and the US.
• This led to the establishment of Dawson City.
• The Yukon Territory was established.
• Dawson City became a rapidly growing city.
• The Gold Rush positively impacted the Canadian economy.
• It led to the rapid development of the Yukon Territory.
• The influx of settlers, however, resulted in the displacement and disruption of Indigenous peoples' traditional ways of life.

The Red River Resistance

• Louis Riel, a Metis leader, protested against Canadian government control over Metis land.
• Riel was executed for treason against the Canadian government.
• John A. MacDonald, the Prime Minister, sent troops to monitor the Metis.
• Thomas Scott, an English Protestant, was executed by Metis for participating in the military operation to stop Metin resisting to the Government.
• The resistance led to the recognition of Manitoba as a Canadian province.

North-West Resistance

• Louis Riel, a Metis leader, led the North-West Resistance against the Canadian government.
• Pihtcohanapiwiyin and Mistahi-maskwa were Cree chiefs that fought side by side with Indigenous peoples.
• General Frederick Middleton commanded Canadian forces.
• The Canadian government failed to uphold their promise to grant land rights for the Metis.
• This resistance was a violent five-month insurgency against the Canadian government.
• Prime Minister Macdonald dispatched troops, leading to Metis surrender and Riel's execution for high treason.
• The resistance ignited French-Canadian nationalism because they supported Riel.
• The death of Riel devastated the Metis people.