- 1. The Indian Act, enacted in 1876, is a piece of Canadian legislation that governs the relationship between the Canadian federal government and Indigenous peoples, primarily First Nations. This Act was originally intended to assimilate Indigenous populations into mainstream Canadian society by imposing European notions of governance, property ownership, and civil rights. It defines the legal status of 'Indians' and the framework of Indian status, which regulates aspects such as membership in tribes, the management of reserves, and the provision of various social services. The Act has been criticized for its paternalistic approach, as it often undermines the self-determination of Indigenous communities and seeks to control aspects of their governance, culture, and spiritual practices. Over the years, amendments have been made, yet many provisions of the Act are viewed as outdated and oppressive, fueling ongoing discussions and advocacy for its repeal or substantial reform. As Canada continues to address its colonial past and work toward reconciliation, the Indian Act remains a focal point of debate regarding Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and the future relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.
What year was the Indian Act first enacted?
A) 1905
B) 1910
C) 1867
D) 1876
- 2. Which country enacted the Indian Act?
A) Australia
B) Canada
C) United Kingdom
D) United States
- 3. What is one major goal of the Indian Act?
A) Land division
B) Cultural preservation
C) Religious freedom
D) Assimilation of Indigenous peoples
- 4. The Indian Act originally included provisions for which of the following?
A) Taxation relief
B) Indian reserves
C) Voting rights
D) Land ownership
- 5. The term 'Indian' used in the Indian Act refers to which group?
A) Indigenous peoples recognized by the Act
B) All Indigenous peoples globally
C) Only First Nations
D) Only Métis
- 6. What was one impact of the Indian Act on Indigenous culture?
A) Suppression of cultural practices
B) Encouragement of traditional languages
C) Promotion of cultural festivals
D) Recognition of Indigenous governance
- 7. What significant advocacy changed provisions for Indian status?
A) The environmental movement
B) The civil rights movement
C) The women's rights movement
D) The labor movement
- 8. What system of governance was introduced with the Indian Act for some reserves?
A) Band Council system
B) City council system
C) Tribal council system
D) Traditional governance system
- 9. What was the primary reason for the creation of Indian residential schools?
A) Assimilation into Euro-Canadian culture
B) Personal choice of Indigenous families
C) Cultural preservation
D) Education improvement
- 10. Which of the following required Indigenous peoples to obtain permission to leave their reserves under the Indian Act?
A) Council approval
B) Land allotment system
C) Registration process
D) Pass system
- 11. What is the significance of the 1985 amendment to the Indian Act?
A) It granted full voting rights.
B) It abolished all reserve lands.
C) It allowed for self-governance.
D) It addressed gender discrimination in status.
- 12. Which aspect of Indigenous identity does the Indian Act primarily affect?
A) Religious beliefs
B) Cultural affiliations
C) Status membership
D) Language use
- 13. Which amendment allowed Indigenous women who married non-Indigenous men to retain their status?
A) Bill C-21
B) Bill C-51
C) Bill C-41
D) Bill C-31
- 14. How did the Indian Act affect Indigenous governance?
A) Imposed external control over governance.
B) Encouraged self-governance.
C) Disabled council elections.
D) Promoted traditional governance systems.
- 15. Which section of the Indian Act deals with prohibiting leased lands?
A) Section 34
B) Section 11
C) Section 22
D) Section 28
- 16. What term refers to Indigenous people who are recognized under the Indian Act?
A) Registered Indians
B) Inuit
C) First Nations
D) Métis
- 17. What does the term 'band council' refer to?
A) An organization for treaty negotiations.
B) A federal governmental body.
C) A cultural organization.
D) A local government for a First Nation.
- 18. How did the Indian Act affect Indigenous land ownership?
A) Limited individual ownership of land.
B) Allowed for trading of land.
C) Restricted communal land use.
D) Promoted private land ownership.
- 19. Which document is often referenced in relation to Indigenous rights?
A) The Constitution Act, 1982
B) The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
C) The Criminal Code of Canada
D) The British North America Act
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