1969 White Paper Policy

The White Paper Policy was unveiled in 1969 by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Jean Chrétien, the Minister of Indian Affairs. This paper was set out to the First Nations and stated that it would basically abolish the Indian Act. The Indian Act was an act given to the First Nations in 1876 where the federal government administered the Indian Status. In other words, the Indians found themselves with less opportunities than all the other citizens of Canada. Thus, the Canadians came up with this paper to improve the living style of the FIrst Nations. Also, their goal was to assimilate the Aboriginals into Canadian society.

(click here to learn more about the Indian Act)

This meant that the paper would end the separateness of Aboriginals and Canadians, which would bring equality amongst all Canadians. The FIrst Nations would be considered as normal Canadians, just like all the other citizens of Canada. Aboriginals would have the same opportunities as Canadians. They would be eligible for the same education, medical care, housing remove residential schools and so on.

When this White Paper Policy was introduced to the First Nations, they quickly denied it. They felt that it was the Canadian government’s attempt to try and assimilate the First Nations forever. Instead of making minor changes to the Indian Act, the government attempted to completely abolish it. The First Nations did not want to be assimilated and still wanted to maintain their own culture. The 1969 White Paper Policy was rejected. Further changes were made to the First Nations in following years.

(learn more about the 1969 White Paper Policy from the perspective of the First Nations)

Sources

"The White Paper 1969." The White Paper 1969. Accessed July 30, 2015.

"The White Paper 1969." Rabble.ca. Accessed July 30, 2015.