Colonial Naming Legislation & Indigenous Peoples

Overview

Indigenous peoples in Canada were historically forced to adopt colonial names as a condition of becoming "enfranchised." This process involved giving up Indian status to gain colonial privileges such as voting and land ownership. This policy was implemented through key pieces of legislation in the 19th century.

Key Legislation

1. Gradual Civilization Act (1857)

This act allowed male First Nations individuals to apply for enfranchisement. As part of the process, applicants were required to adopt an approved English surname and a Christian first name, replacing their traditional names.

2. Gradual Enfranchisement Act (1869)

This legislation reinforced the requirements of the 1857 act and made colonial naming a condition for receiving land, annuities, and official enfranchisement status.

3. The Indian Act (1876)

This act consolidated previous legislation and formalized the use of Christian and English names in federal records. Indian agents replaced traditional names with colonial ones in registries, contributing to cultural erasure.

Historical Newspaper Excerpts

These original news clippings from The Victoria Daily Times (1897–1898) capture the settler perspective during the Songhees removal era:

Summary Table

Legacy

These laws were not simply administrative—they were deliberate tools of cultural assimilation. The imposition of colonial names disrupted Indigenous identities, kinship ties, and community heritage. The effects of these policies are still felt today, as many communities continue to reclaim traditional names and cultural autonomy.