The act was the brainchild of Prime Minister John A. Macdonald's government, with considerable input from Nicholas Flood Davin.
The following individuals were involved in the development and implementation of the Indian Act of 1876:
1. John A. Macdonald:
- the first prime minister of Canada.
- He played a crucial role in shaping the Indian Act, believing that assimilating Indigenous peoples into Canadian society was in their best interest.
2. Nicholas Flood Davin:
- a Canadian politician, journalist, and educator.
- He was a strong advocate for the Indian residential school system and was involved in drafting the Indian Act of 1876.
3. Duncan Campbell Scott:
- a Canadian civil servant who served as Deputy Superintendent of Indian Affairs from 1897 to 1932.
- He played a significant role in shaping the policies and administration of the Indian Act, including the establishment of residential schools.
4. Clifford Sifton:
- a Canadian politician who served as Minister of the Interior from 1896 to 1905.
- He oversaw the implementation of the Indian Act and promoted policies of assimilation and dispossession of Indigenous lands.
5. Indigenous Leaders and Communities:
- Various Indigenous leaders and communities were involved in discussions, negotiations, and resistance to the implementation of the Indian Act.
- Their input and perspectives were often disregarded, leading to significant negative impacts on Indigenous cultures, languages, and ways of life.