1965

In 1963, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson pitched his idea for a new flag during a speech to the Canadian Legion in Winnipeg. “I believe that today a flag designed around the Maple Leaf, will symbolise and be a true reflection of the new Canada.” Others disagreed on what new symbol should represent the country.

The debate over the proposed new Canadian flag was ended by closure on December 15, 1964. It resulted in the adoption of the “Maple Leaf” as the Canadian national flag. The flag was inaugurated on February 15, 1965, and since 1996, February 15 has been commemorated as National Flag of Canada Day.

You might hear people say that Canada is turning 153 years old this year. What this really means is that we’re celebrating the 153rd anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, which established Canada as a country. In actuality, this place is a whole lot older than 150 years!

The next holiday is Civic Holiday in 21 days. Canada Day will be on Thursday so this year you can simply take one day off to make it a four day long weekend! Easter in 2021 is on April 2 (Good Friday) and Easter Sunday is on April 4 – approximately halfway between Family Day and Victoria Day.

Indian Act, 1876. The most important single act affecting First Nations is the Indian Act, passed by the federal government of the new Dominion of Canada in 1876 and still in existence today.

31 March 1960

In 2016, 744,855 people identified as First Nations with Indian Status, 44.2 per cent of which lived on reserves. Reserves are governed by the Indian Act, and residence on a reserve is governed by band councils as well as the federal government….Reserves.

Major amendments were made to the Act in 1951 and 1985. In the 1951 amendments, the banning of dances and ceremonies, and the pursuit of claims against the government were removed.