why were the first nations excluded from Canadian confederation?

The First Nations were excluded from Canadian Confederation primarily due to colonial attitudes and the belief that Indigenous peoples were not capable of participating in the governance of the new nation. The Confederation in 1867 focused on unifying British colonies and did not consider Indigenous rights or sovereignty, leading to the imposition of the Indian Act and other policies that marginalized First Nations. Additionally, the priorities of the Canadian government were centered on expanding settlement and resource development, often at the expense of Indigenous land and rights. This exclusion has had lasting impacts on Indigenous communities and their relationship with the Canadian state.