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   Did You Know? Before Europeans arrived, between 200,000 and 300,000 Indian people lived in what is now Canada. First Nations History 3. The Royal Proclamation and BNA ActThe Royal Proclamation The Royal Proclamation of 1763 established British protection over unsettled land belonging to Indian tribes and recognized Indian title to lands not already colonized. Métis people were not recognized. The Proclamation is considered to be one of the strongest guarantees of First Nations' land rights. Pre-existing land ownership was acknowledged and is a very important legal concept today.
The British North America Act The British North America Act (BNA Act), Canada's original constitution, was the charter to Confederation in 1867. Section 91(24) of the BNA Act established Federal jurisdiction over "Indians, and lands reserved for the Indians". The federal government implemented their responsibility through the Indian Act. Once again, the Métis people were not recognized.
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