Bagot Commission Case Study

First Nations people have time and again been a target of assimilation and colonization throughout history. During the time Canada took power away from Britain, First Nations people endured change in policy and again, how they were to live their lives. These changes are both good and bad, however the government never sees First Nations people for who they are: a strong and resilient people. The Bagot commission was underway and had many recommendations about First Nations people and their land. Positive policies were enforced including, acts involving the “protection of Indians”. These acts kept the land of First Nations people protected. However, the goal of the government was still assimilation and colonization. Canada made an enfranchisement law, which allowed First Nations people to give up their land in return for money and citizenship. The Bagot commission was an immense change for First Nations people.
Some may look at this policy and believe Bagot cared and wanted to help First Nations people, however the main goal was to “civilize” (colonize) them. According to the Treaties and Historical Research Centre (1978), “There were two conflicting approaches to the “civilization” process. One was that Native people should be placed among settlers of good reputation to learn proper behavior and social graces. Another belief was that only by isolating Indians on reserves could the resident schoolteacher, agent and missionary achieve success in preparing Indians for integration” (p.16). The second option was exactly what happened, and although some recommendations were meant to be helpful, First Nations people because of residential schools and all policies regarding assimilation endured an enormous amount of