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The Dominion Government and the Northwest

This article discusses the changing relationships between the Dominion Government and the First Nations in the Northwest during the years 1870-1880, based on a Cree legend. It explores the impact of treaties, forced relocation, and the Indian Act on First Nations communities.

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The Dominion Government and the Northwest

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  1. This land is your land, this land is my land. This land was made for you and me. Or maybe just me. The Dominion Government and the Northwest 1870-1880

  2. A Cree Legend • Long ago a Whiteman came from across the sea to our land. He spoke to our ancestor, who was sitting on a huge log. • “Move over,” said the Whiteman • Our ancestor moved over a little and the Whiteman sat on the log. The Whiteman nudged him and again said, “Move over.” The Indian moved over a little. • Soon the Whiteman repeated, “Move over.” • This happened again and again until our ancestor was pushed off the log. The the Whiteman said, “the log is now mine.” • Our ancestor took off his hat and respectfully asked, “May I sit on one part of the log?” • “No,” said the Whiteman, “I am using all of the log. But the stump of the tree is nearby. Why don’t you sit on it? • Since then, the Indians have been sitting on the very small stump and hoping that the Whiteman would never want it.

  3. How and why could this have happened? • Watch and consider what is said, how it’s said and the implications. Write down key words of phrases that jump out at you. • Do you feel that the narrator provides an adequate account of the changing relationships? • Persuaded and compelled to move onto reserves? • Treaties negotiated and land surrendered? • The prevailing opinion was that First Nations' culture was inferior and that these peoples were destined to die out. To prevent this, the officials in charge of "Indian affairs" encouraged or forced them to send their children to residential schools. • The Indian Act, passed in 1876, put all First Nations under the control of a government department and outlawed traditional practices. Denied full citizenship, the First Nations were in fact then wards of the state.

  4. Persuaded and Compelled?Treaties negotiated? • Imagine that you are a young Native person at the in the mid 19th century. Is signing treaties really the best option for you and your people? • Watch and record arguments in favour and against the signing of treaties. • Listen carefully, especially to the quotes from various chiefs. • Record your information in a T-chart

  5. Evaluating the treaty process • Complete the worksheet.

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