In 1964 the Canadian Government commissioned UBC Professor Harry B. Hawthorn to complete a study on the current state of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Hawthorn and his team of researchers considered areas such as: economic, socio-economic, political, educational and administrative realms of Indigenous peoples. Hawthorn’s report, A Survey of the Contemporary Indians of Canada Economic, Political, Educational Needs and Policies,(Parts 1 and 2) was published in 1966.

Hawthorn largely concluded that Indigenous peoples in Canada were not treated fairly and were generally at a disadvantage. In particular, Hawthorn noted the impact the residential school system had on creating the poor conditions of Indigenous peoples. He recommended an improvement to Indigenous peoples’ rights and the end of forced residential schools.

From the findings of the Hawthorn report, the Canadian government began to make changes to the Indian Act and the Department of Indian Affairs.