CHAPTER 14 Flashcards
Urban Indigenous Issues
What is the common misconception about urbanization in Canada?
Many Canadians believe urbanization is just beginning, but it has actually been happening for decades, with urban Indigenous permanency now framing the discussion.
What did Environics Research (2010) conclude about Indigenous people and urbanization?
A majority of Indigenous respondents considered the city to be home and wanted to become a more visible part of the urban landscape.
What percentage of Indigenous people lived in urban areas by 2017?
More than 56% of Indigenous peoples lived in urban areas.
What is the Indigenous population in major Canadian cities?
For example, Winnipeg (12%), Edmonton (7%), Vancouver (2%), Toronto (2%), and Calgary (3%) have significant Indigenous populations in urban areas.
How were Indigenous populations historically distributed in Canada?
Indigenous populations and their settlements were distributed based on the ecological context, with larger communities in resource-rich zones and smaller, more mobile communities in limited-resource areas
How did the arrival of French and British settlers affect Indigenous communities?
The arrival led to the creation of permanent villages and towns, and colonial officials pressured Indigenous people to abandon their territories for towns, schools, and churches.
How did urban Indigenous communities differ from reserve communities?
Urban Indigenous communities are more heterogeneous, often have no land base, have complex identities, and their members are highly mobile with fluctuating leadership.
When did the movement of reserve and rural Indigenous people into urban centres begin?
It started in the 1940s, with larger urban centres like Winnipeg, Regina, and Vancouver seeing the most significant influx.
What role did urban Indigenous communities play in assisting newcomers?
Urban Indigenous communities helped newcomers find shelter and employment, with early organizations like the North American Indian Club in Toronto (1951) offering social and cultural activities.
How did Friendship Centres contribute to urban Indigenous communities?
By 1971, the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) was formed, and by 1972, there were 43 friendship centres in Canada, providing essential services and support to urban Indigenous people.
What challenges did Friendship Centres face?
Over time, funding lapsed, and little was done to address the needs of urban Indigenous populations, with federal and provincial officials bickering over responsibilities.
How are urban Indigenous populations often viewed in Canada?
Most Canadians still associate Indigenous people with reserves, viewing them as temporary visitors off-reserve rather than permanent residents.
What were the three proposed approaches to improving urban Indigenous governance?
1) Establishing self-governing Indigenous institutions, 2) Promoting an Indigenous authority with public government agreements, 3) Reforming municipal governments to better represent urban Indigenous residents.
How did the Federal Court (Misquadis) impact urban Indigenous self-governance?
In 2002, the court defined off-reserve First Nations as self-organizing, self-determining, and distinct communities, acknowledging urban Indigenous self-determination.
How many urban reserves exist in Canada, and what are their key purposes?
There are roughly 130 urban reserves in Canada, designed to alleviate service burdens, help with access to provincial programs, and provide culturally appropriate programs in urban centres.
What are some characteristics of satellite reserves?
Satellite reserves are located on surplus Crown or private land, subject to the same regulations as other reserves, and may require First Nations to pay municipal taxes for services.
What are the benefits of satellite reserves?
Satellite reserves help expand land holdings, provide new economic opportunities, and advance self-government while becoming important sites for urban services.
Why do satellite reserves face resistance in Canada?
Resistance stems from misunderstanding of what urban reserves are, criticism from organizations like the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, and the public’s negative perception of Indigenous land development in urban areas.
