History of the Indian Act | Preceden
Parliament enacted “an Act to amend and consolidate the laws respecting Indians,” commonly known as the Indian Act, in 1876. This legislation consolidated earlier colonial Acts dealing with First Nations.
The primary goal of the Act was to encourage assimilation. It was also supposed to protect and defend First Nations people from those who would do violence against their persons, goods or possessions.
The Act includes provisions that regulate membership, taxation, education, and land use, and prohibit liquor. The Indian Act provided for the uniform treatment of Indians across Canada; Parliament has the right to amend the Act without consulting First Nations.