Summary
Duncan Campbell Scott, who had joined the Department of Indian Affairs in 1880, was appointed Deputy Superintendent of the department in 1913. He continued to serve in this position until his retirement in 1932. Upon his appointment as Deputy Superintendent, he issued a statement on October 15 to Indian Agents called “General Instructions to Indian Agents in Canada,” reminding them to uphold the section of the Indian Act that prohibited Indigenous rituals.
Implications
Scott continued to enforce policies which marginalized Aboriginal people, particularly those which prohibited Indigenous spirituality. Under Scott's direction, the Indian Act was amended to require Indian children between the age of seven and fifteen to attend school (eventually they would be required to attend residential schools).
Sources
Brian Titley, A Narrow Vision: Duncan Campbell Scott and the Administration of Indian Affairs in Canada. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1986.
Date
1913-00-00
Theme(s)