First Nations
The First Nations are the indigenous groups of tribes in the Kingdom of Canada who are neither Inuit or Metis. There are 614 recognized First Nations.
Culture
Many of the First Nations have retained much of their individual cultures, such as teaching of languages and religions, artwork, music, and dances. These, however, have come under attack by the British and later Canadian governments in attempts to Anglicize, Christianize, and "civilize" the native tribes.
Public Agenda
Though the opinions of the First Nations are varied, the agenda is approximately the same. They wish to conserve their traditional ways of life, their practices, and their homelands. Though many of these have been encroached on by the Canadian Government, notoriously by Prime Minister John A. Macdonald and Minister Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs Hector-Louis Langevin, the relationship between the indigenous people and the monarchy has been cordial as of late.
Assets
Through the laws passed by the Canadian Parliament, First Nations tribes are granted land reservations to govern. At first, these lands were delineated through treaties negotiated with the natives. However, following the establishment of the Kingdom, these lands were dictated onto them through passing of laws. Who may govern and own land on these reservations have changed overtime.
History
The Canadian First Nations comprise those who assisted the British Crown and King George III during the American Revolution. Following the war, many of the tribes found their lands bisected by the newly formed international border. These tribes often broke up into smaller groups, while others were forced to pick a side in the international stage.
Many of the First Nations shared the Canadian governments fear of American expansionism westward. This culminated in the War of the North, in which these tribes attempted to curve American encroachment on traditional native lands. Though they had lost, the First Nations received favor from the Canadian Government, and earned a series of treaties that would become known as the Covenant Chain.
In 1857, a controversial law known as the Gradual Civilization Act was passed by the Canadian Parliament, wherein a First Nations' male could receive full rights and citizenship by renouncing his "Indian" status. This Act, along with increased measures by Christian missionaries, was aimed to "enfranchise" the indigenous population by removing any resemblance of their heritage. Most First Nations councils protested the Act and called for it being repealed, and in the end on one Native man was enfranchised.
With the declaration of Canada as an independent kingdom in 1867, the First Nations cautiously supported the new monarchy. Given the history of relations between the two, King Alfred I decided to accept the series of treaties between the Canadian government and the First Nations.
In 1876, the Indian Act was signed into law, determining how the Canadian Crown interacts with First Nations, their bands, and reserves. These laws allowed for indigenous men to own land and receive grants, so long as they adopt a Christian name and practices. These laws were resented and resisted by most First Nations people.
Following the passing of these laws, First Nations leaders petitioned King Alfred to intervene. Those Alfred expressed sympathy, it remained questionable as to the constitutional limitations of the Crown's powers over the matter, as the law delineated much of the authority to the Minister Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs in place of the king.
With the crowning of Queen @Vic in 1900, many of the First Nations had hoped for a more hands on governance.
Demonym
Various
Parent Organization
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