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
2016
Canada Adopts the UNDRIP
Launches inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
2015
Truth and Reconciliation Comission
Final Report on Residential Schools
2008
Government of Canada Apology
2007
Residential School Settlement
1996
Last Residential School Closes
1995
Inherent Right of Self-Government Recognition
1985
Bill C-31 and Indian Act Gender Amendments
1982
Constitution Act
Section 35: Aboriginal Rights
1960s-1908s
Sixties Scoop
1960
Right to Vote in Federal Elections
1950s-70s
Slaughter of Inuit Sled Dogs
1892
Canada-Christian Churches Residential School Formal Agreement
1876
Indian Act
1867
British North America Act
1831
Mohawk Indian Residential School Opens
1763