Which document established the basis for negotiating treaties between Aboriginal peoples and the newcomers?
- The British North America Act
- The Constitutional Act of 1791
- The Quebec Act of 1774
- The Royal Proclamation of 1763
Answer: The Royal Proclamation of 1763
King George III issued the Royal Proclamation of 1763. It first guaranteed Aboriginal territorial rights and set the basis for negotiating treaties with the newcomers, although those treaties were not always fully respected. The Quebec Act of 1774 was passed to better govern the French Roman Catholic majority.
Learn more: Aboriginal origins and rights
- The ancestors of Aboriginal peoples are believed to have migrated from Asia many thousands of years ago.
- Aboriginal and treaty rights are in the Canadian Constitution.
- Territorial rights were first guaranteed through the Royal Proclamation of 1763 by King George III.
- The Royal Proclamation set the basis for negotiating treaties with the newcomers. These treaties were not always fully respected.
- On First Nations reserves, band chiefs and councillors have major responsibilities, including housing, schools and other services.
- Provincial, regional and national Aboriginal organizations speak for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people with federal, provincial and territorial governments.
- Today Aboriginal peoples enjoy renewed pride and confidence, with significant achievements in agriculture, the environment, business and the arts.