Question 24 of 33

What was the original purpose of the Indian Act?

The government sought the full integration and assimilation of Aboriginal peoples into Canadian society.
The government wanted to build them suitable housing.
The government wanted to help them transition out of the bush to become self-sufficient and independent.

The Indian Act was intended to facilitate the transition toward assimilation. In the beginning, Indian status was seen as temporary and for the ultimate purpose of full integration and assimilation into Canadian society. In fact, Aboriginal populations were in decline in the middle of the last century and were expected to disappear, particularly under the pressures of colonization.

To learn more:

Assimilation: Not a Hidden Objective
The Real Nature of the Indian Act