Page 67 - Chippewas of Rama First Nation

The Indian Act and Treaties

Important Acts — Historical Perspective

• The term “Indian” is used in this section as it pertains to
Treaties of the past. The term is no longer accepted in many
of our communities and, as a result, we now call ourselves
“First Nations” peoples as opposed to “Indian.”
• The term “reserve” or “reservation” is used for the same
reason as mentioned above. Instead of people living
“on reserve” or “off reserve,” we now say they live
“on territory” or “off territory.” On/Off territory means
First Nations territory.

1. Royal Proclamation 1763
Historical Perspective
The English defeated the French at Québec, gaining control of
New France and renaming it British North America.

Features
• The English established government systems, a legal system,
and an “Indian” policy.

Implication for First Nations Peoples
• This nullified First Nations claim to sovereignty and
independent status.

• Certain land was reserved for First Nations groups on which
First Nations people held rights to the land.

2. British North America Act 1867
(now Constitution Act)

Historical Perspective
This act legalized the Confederation of New Brunswick,
Nova Scotia, Québec, and Ontario as the Dominion of
Canada under one federal government with four provincial
governments. Powers were divided between the federal and
provincial governments.

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