Honouring Voices

Historical Timeline

Historical Context and Overrepresentation Through Legislation and Policy

The over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system led the Supreme Court of Canada (R. v. Gladue – 1999) to instruct judges on their responsibility to consider the unique systemic and background factors that have negatively impacted Indigenous offenders directly or indirectly and Indigenous people’s collective and individual histories when imposing a sentence on an Indigenous offender. Judges are to seek alternatives to imprisonment, if appropriate, that are more suitable to Indigenous offenders.

The following timeline gives historical context to systemic pressures on Indigenous communities.

2019

GoC Apology for “Colonial” “Purposeful” Mistreatment of Inuit with Tuberculosis

Indian Day School Settlement

2019

2016

Canada Adopts the UNDRIP

Launches inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

2016

2015

Truth and Reconciliation Comission

Final Report on Residential Schools

2015

2008

Government of Canada Apology

2008

2007

Residential School Settlement

2007

1996

Last Residential School Closes

1996

1995

Inherent Right of Self-Government Recognition

1995

1985

Bill C-31 and Indian Act Gender Amendments

1985

1982

Constitution Act

Section 35: Aboriginal Rights

1982

1960s-1908s

Sixties Scoop

1960s-1908s

1960

Right to Vote in Federal Elections

1960

1950s-70s

Slaughter of Inuit Sled Dogs

1950s-70s

1892

Canada-Christian Churches Residential School Formal Agreement

1892

1876

Indian Act

1876

1867

British North America Act

1867

1831

Mohawk Indian Residential School Opens

1831

1763

Royal Proclamation

1763