The Joint Indian Reserve Commission (1876 to 1878) and the Indian Reserve Commission (1878 to 1910) were formed to resolve conflicts between the federal and provincial governments regarding the amount of land to be allotted for Indigenous Peoples. The commission aimed to create reserves that were adequate for the needs of Indigenous communities. The commission's decisions often resulted in smaller reserves than those initially allocated by Douglas, leading to ongoing disputes and grievances among Indigenous communities. The work of the Indian Reserve Commission remains relevant today as Indigenous communities continue to seek recognition of their land rights and address historical grievances.
Official Records
UVic Resources
The Royal Commission on Indian Affairs for the Province of British Columbia, commonly known as The McKenna-McBride Commission, was established in 1912 to tackle the "Indian reserve question" in the province. Between 1913 and 1916, the commissioners traveled extensively across British Columbia, collecting evidence from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals regarding the adequacy of reserves. They conducted hearings and visited nearly every band to understand their land needs. Although the commission aimed to resolve land disputes, it has faced criticism for contributing to the dispossession of Indigenous lands and failing to address the broader issue of Aboriginal title.
It was Commissioned by the Canadian government, the report aimed to investigate the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and provide recommendations for improving their situation. The Hawthorn Report was published in 1966. the Hawthorn Report introduced the influential idea of "Citizens Plus," which framed Indigenous peoples as rights-holders with a unique place in Canada.
The Berger Inquiry, officially known as the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry, was commissioned by the Canadian government in 1974 and led by Justice Thomas Berger. The inquiry aimed to assess the social, environmental, and economic impacts of a proposed gas pipeline through the Yukon and Mackenzie River Valley.
Justice Berger emphasized the importance of consulting Indigenous communities, ensuring their voices were heard in the decision-making process. The Berger Inquiry was significant for its inclusive approach and its impact on future resource development policies in Canada.
The Aboriginal Justice Inquiry (AJI), officially known as the Public Inquiry into the Administration of Justice and Aboriginal People, was commissioned by the Manitoba government in 1988. It was led by Alvin Hamilton and Murray Sinclair. The inquiry was prompted by the 1971 murder of Helen Betty Osborne and the 1988 death of J.J. Harper. The inquiry examined the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the justice system, including policing, courts, and correctional services. The AJI found significant disparities in the treatment of Indigenous peoples within the justice system, including higher incarceration rates and longer pre-trial detention. The AJI was a landmark inquiry that highlighted the need for systemic reforms in the justice system to better serve Indigenous communities
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) was formed in 1991. This was a direct response to a series of events, including the 1990 events at Kanesatake, the failure of the Meech Lake Accord, and the findings of the Spicer Commission. Its mandate was to investigate and propose solutions to the challenges affecting the relationship between Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Métis Nation), the Canadian government, and Canadian society as a whole. The commission conducted extensive research and community consultations, resulting in a comprehensive report published in 1996.
Sharing the Land, Sharing a Future
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The Indian Specific Claims Commission (ISCC) was created in 1991 as a temporary, independent body to help First Nations and the Canadian government resolve specific claims. These claims typically involved grievances related to the administration of land and other First Nations' assets, and the fulfillment of historic treaties and other agreements.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Justice Inquiry was a public inquiry launched by the government of British Columbia in 1992.
Attorney General releases report on Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry
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Report on the Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry
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Report on the Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry compendium
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The Aboriginal Justice Implementation Commission (AJIC) was established by the Government of Manitoba in November 1999 to develop an action plan based on the recommendations of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry.
The Commission of Inquiry into Matters Relating to the Death of Neil Stonechild, also known as the Wright Inquiry, was established by the Saskatchewan government in February 2003 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 17-year-old Neil Stonechild, who was found frozen to death outside Saskatoon in November 1990.
The Ipperwash Inquiry was a public judicial inquiry established by the Government of Ontario to investigate the events surrounding the death of Anthony "Dudley" George, who was shot by an Ontario Provincial Police officer during a protest at Ipperwash Provincial Park in 1995
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The Qikiqtani Truth Commission was created by the Quikiqtani Inuit Association as an independent inquiry into the killing of Inuit sled dogs and forced relocation of Inuit communities between 1950-1975.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established by Schedule N of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
The Settlement Agreement and schedules are available at:
Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future: Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
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Canada's Residential Schools : The History, Part 1, Origins to 1939
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Canada's Residential Schools : The History, Part 2, 1939 to 2000
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Canada's Residential Schools: the Inuit and Northern Experience
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Canada's Residential Schools: the Métis Experience
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Canada's Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials
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Canada's Residential Schools: the Legacy
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Canada's Residential Schools: Reconciliation
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The survivors speak : a report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action / Canada
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Picking Up the Pieces: Residential School Memories and the Making of the Witness Blanket
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The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) was a public inquiry in Canada, launched in August 2016 and concluding with its Final Report in June 2019. Its mandate was to investigate and report on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ .
Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Volumes 1a, 1b and 2
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Reclaiming power and place : executive summary of the final report
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A legal analysis of genocide : supplementary report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
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