The Royal Proclamation and Its Impact on the Future of Canada

Infer - to form (an opinion) from evidence : to reach (a conclusion) based on known facts : to hint or suggest.

What Can you infer from these pictures?

Britain (BR) has won the 7 Year War against France.

BR tired of war and needs peace. Broke from the long war.

Though the war is over, BR still has problems with First Nations, Quebec (French) colonists, and 13 US colonies.

What problems do you think they might have?

BNA After Victory

Quebec:Full of French supporters, who do not like

the British.French are Catholic, BR are Protestant.

Do not like each other much.French Law different from BR law. Whose

law to use?Discuss how you ( a conquering army) would

take control of thousands of angry citizens? (Remember : you are broke and don’t want armed conflict)

Problems: Quebec (Old New France)

British North America (Canada & US)First Nations did not surrender with

French. (Don’t believe in surrender)Believe land should be shared, not

owned.First Nations have had enough of US

colonist taking over their land.

Problems: First Nations

Result of US colonist advancement1763: Pontiac and alliance of First

Nations tribes take over BR forts1766, Pontiac signs treaty with BR.BR realize they need to start respecting

First Nation rights to land and.Need to keep colonists from moving on to

First Nation land.

Pontiacs Rebellion (War)

Too much trouble to conquer Quebec and First Nations.

Assimilate: to cause (a person or group) to become part of a different society, country, or culture.

Sneaky: BR Plan to Assimilate the French and First Nations, into BR ways of thinking. (culture, religion, law)

How can/will they do this?

The Royal Proclamation: Make Everyone Happy

1. BR law to be established in colonies2. Governor (controls government in BNA),

allows French Catholics into general assembly to help make laws for colony.

3. Large land to the West is reserved for First Nations. Only BR government can buy this land from First Nations. No settlements or colonist can live on this land. All Non-Native people living on this land, had to leave.

4. Needed permission from BR government to trade with First Nations.

4 Key Points of Royal Proclamation

Proclamation Line

Good Idea Bad Idea

Sneaky Idea Lie

4 Corners

CONTROL & ASSIMILATE

What is it all About?

Royal Proclamation (PR) recognized First Nations right to the land and to keep them separated from Colonist.

Many Land Treaties were given to BR by First Nations, in return for annual payments.

“Land Claims” – allow first nations to ask for compensation (payment) for land illegally taken.

Legacy of Royal Proclamation

Oka Crisis – 1990: Mayor of Oka builds tries to build golf course on Mohawk burial ground.

Quebec police officer is killed.Rexton Protest – 2013: Shale Gas Company

attempting to Frack resources on Mi’kmaq Land.

Both Land claims have been ignored.

Has anything changed since the Royal Proclamation?

Who is right/wrong?

Rexton, NB and Oka, QC

Oka Crisis - 1990