Summary
Territorial agriculture organizations were provided with funding for prizes for outstanding examples of Aboriginal agriculture. Agriculture exhibitions and regional fairs were a focus of government assimilation policies, as they could be promoted as alternatives to religious ceremonies and traditional rituals. These secular celebrations were also meant to improve morality among Aboriginal participants.
Implications
Interestingly, in 1881 the Department of Indian Affairs would release a circular dictating that Indigenous peoples were to be discouraged from attending agricultural exhibitions and would require the approval of an Indian Agent to attend. For more information see "Indian Act Amendment" sub-event "Regulations of Sale of Agricultural Products; Broadening Powers of Magistrates and Indian Agents."
Date
1880-00-00