What was the main purpose of the Indian Act of 1876?

The Indian Act of 1876 was primarily designed to regulate the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This legislation aimed to consolidate control over Indian affairs and establish a framework for the governance of Indigenous communities under Canadian law. It imposed various rules and regulations governing aspects of life, such as land use, governance, education, and even personal rights, often with the intent of assimilating Indigenous peoples into Euro-Canadian culture.

By creating a comprehensive set of laws that applied exclusively to First Nations, the Indian Act limited their autonomy and created a paternalistic relationship between the Canadian government and Indigenous peoples. This regulation often resulted in significant restrictions on traditional practices and community governance, reflecting the government's aim to assimilate Indigenous peoples rather than support their cultural or political rights. Therefore, the main purpose of the Indian Act was indeed to regulate the lives of Indigenous peoples, marking a significant point in Canada's legal and cultural treatment of its Indigenous populations.