Indigenous Self-Government Flashcards
When did Canada become a nation
July 1st, 1867
The first people to live here
Aboriginal People
What happened to the Aboriginal people when the French & English arrived?
Their rights & ways of government were taken away, as well as largely ignored.
A right which is thought to be self-evident or pre-existing.
Inherent Right
Four things which happened to Indigenous people as settlers arrived:
- Lost claims to their land
- Rights & freedoms were limited
- Given small reserves in desolate areas
- Food, water, & hide became scarce in some areas
Who are the Inuit people?
Aboriginal people who live in northern Canada. They primarily live north of the treeline in Nunavut, the NW territories, Northern Quebec, & Labrador.
What is a Metis person?
Someone who:
-self identifies as Metis
-has Aboriginal ancestry (at least one grandparent is/was Aboriginal)
-has not registered themself as Indian or Inuit
What are the First Nations?
Groups of Indigenous people who don’t identify as Inuit or Metis. Traditionally, they were people who primarily lived south of the Arctic Circle.
Why do Indigenous people believe they have an inherent right to self-government?
This belief is due to their relationship with the land prior to the arrival of the Europeans.
Three Reasons for Self-Governance
- International Law recognizes that all people have a right to self-determination, which includes governance.
- Colonial powers won no “rights of conquest”, & said colonial powers codified their recognition of Aboriginal self-governance in the Royal Proclamation.
- Aboriginal people’s rights to self-government are recognized by the constitution.
What do Indigenous leaders hope will happen once they gain rights to self-government?
They hope for a full justice system.
What does it mean to claim (verb)?
To demand something as a right. A claim which is unsatisfied calls for restitution.
Give one argument for Indigenous self-government.
It allows Indigenous leaders to be more responsive to the needs of their people, more than the federal government has been.
What is a land claim?
Statements which Indigenous people make about the land which they either own, or formerly owned.
What are some problems with how the government is addressing Indigenous land claims?
- The process is too slow & complex
- The government has displayed reluctance to even address these claims
Why do most land claims go unsolved?
Because the government takes too long to answer them.
How do the delays in addressing land claims affect Indigenous people?
- Damages their health
- Creates financial issues
- Leads to frustration
How are Metis people involved with land claims?
They are involved by making counterclaims towards non-Indigenous entities who are against land rights of Indigenous people.
What are some consequences of taking a long time to solve land claims?
- Development of Indigenous land can slow down
- Can affect non-Indigenous people, making certain settlements difficult
- Can cause dams to flood
What are some things needed to solve land claims?
- Fast, efficient system
- Diverse set of people with different viewpoints
- All parties having an open mind & intellectual honesty
What did committee reports find in 1999?
That Indigenous people were not being treated the same as other residents.
What is restorative justice?
A system of rehabilitation & reformation in regards to offenders. It involves making offenders feel as though they are still, & can continue to be functioning members of society.
What is the aim of restorative justice?
To make offenders law abiding people who have realized & actualized a better version of themselves.
How does restorative justice attempt to affect youth offenders?
It teaches them responsibility while still still helping them with self-improvement.
What is alternative sentencing?
A form of restorative justice which is used across Canada, & uses imprisonment as a last resort.
Three measures of alternative sentencing:
Community service, restitution towards victim, & community conferencing.
1867
Canada becomes nation
1876
Indian Act is passed
1983
First four constitutional conferences were held, & amendments to said constitution were made to recognize aboriginal rights.
1984
Land claims came into effect, & federal gov agreed to self-gov
1985
Canadian gov disagrees with self-gov, but still makes negotiations
1988
J.J Harper dies
1990
Manitoba MLA Elijah Harper salled a debate in the Legislative Building over Indigenous rights missing from the Meech Lake Accord
1996
Bill C-41 was passed to allow alternative sentencing
1999
Territory of Nunavut is formed
2006
Manitoba Metis Federation goes to court against federal & provincial gov
