Indigenous Self-Government

Question 1

When did Canada become a nation

Answer 1

July 1st, 1867

Question 2

The first people to live here

Answer 2

Aboriginal People

Question 3

What happened to the Aboriginal people when the French & English arrived?

Answer 3

Their rights & ways of government were taken away, as well as largely ignored.

Question 4

A right which is thought to be self-evident or pre-existing.

Answer 4

Inherent Right

Question 5

Four things which happened to Indigenous people as settlers arrived:

Answer 5

1. Lost claims to their land
2. Rights & freedoms were limited
3. Given small reserves in desolate areas
4. Food, water, & hide became scarce in some areas

Question 6

Who are the Inuit people?

Answer 6

Aboriginal people who live in northern Canada. They primarily live north of the treeline in Nunavut, the NW territories, Northern Quebec, & Labrador.

Question 7

What is a Metis person?

Answer 7

Someone who:
-self identifies as Metis
-has Aboriginal ancestry (at least one grandparent is/was Aboriginal)
-has not registered themself as Indian or Inuit

Question 8

What are the First Nations?

Answer 8

Groups of Indigenous people who don’t identify as Inuit or Metis. Traditionally, they were people who primarily lived south of the Arctic Circle.

Question 9

Why do Indigenous people believe they have an inherent right to self-government?

Answer 9

This belief is due to their relationship with the land prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

Question 10

Three Reasons for Self-Governance

Answer 10

1. International Law recognizes that all people have a right to self-determination, which includes governance.
2. Colonial powers won no “rights of conquest”, & said colonial powers codified their recognition of Aboriginal self-governance in the Royal Proclamation.
3. Aboriginal people’s rights to self-government are recognized by the constitution.

Question 11

What do Indigenous leaders hope will happen once they gain rights to self-government?

Answer 11

They hope for a full justice system.

Question 12

What does it mean to claim (verb)?

Answer 12

To demand something as a right. A claim which is unsatisfied calls for restitution.

Question 13

Give one argument for Indigenous self-government.

Answer 13

It allows Indigenous leaders to be more responsive to the needs of their people, more than the federal government has been.

Question 14

What is a land claim?

Answer 14

Statements which Indigenous people make about the land which they either own, or formerly owned.

Question 15

What are some problems with how the government is addressing Indigenous land claims?

Answer 15

• The process is too slow & complex
• The government has displayed reluctance to even address these claims

Question 16

Why do most land claims go unsolved?

Answer 16

Because the government takes too long to answer them.

Question 17

How do the delays in addressing land claims affect Indigenous people?

Answer 17

• Damages their health
• Creates financial issues
• Leads to frustration

Question 18

How are Metis people involved with land claims?

Answer 18

They are involved by making counterclaims towards non-Indigenous entities who are against land rights of Indigenous people.

Question 19

What are some consequences of taking a long time to solve land claims?

Answer 19

• Development of Indigenous land can slow down
• Can affect non-Indigenous people, making certain settlements difficult
• Can cause dams to flood

Question 20

What are some things needed to solve land claims?

Answer 20

• Fast, efficient system
• Diverse set of people with different viewpoints
• All parties having an open mind & intellectual honesty

Question 21

What did committee reports find in 1999?

Answer 21

That Indigenous people were not being treated the same as other residents.

Question 22

What is restorative justice?

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

What is the aim of restorative justice?

Answer 23

To make offenders law abiding people who have realized & actualized a better version of themselves.

Question 24

How does restorative justice attempt to affect youth offenders?

Answer 24

It teaches them responsibility while still still helping them with self-improvement.

Question 25

What is alternative sentencing?

Answer 25

A form of restorative justice which is used across Canada, & uses imprisonment as a last resort.

Question 26

Three measures of alternative sentencing:

Answer 26

Community service, restitution towards victim, & community conferencing.

Question 27

1867

Answer 27

Canada becomes nation

Question 28

1876

Answer 28

Indian Act is passed

Question 29

1983

Answer 29

First four constitutional conferences were held, & amendments to said constitution were made to recognize aboriginal rights.

Question 30

1984

Answer 30

Land claims came into effect, & federal gov agreed to self-gov

Question 31

1985

Answer 31

Canadian gov disagrees with self-gov, but still makes negotiations

Question 32

1988

Answer 32

J.J Harper dies

Question 33

1990

Answer 33

Manitoba MLA Elijah Harper salled a debate in the Legislative Building over Indigenous rights missing from the Meech Lake Accord

Question 34

1996

Answer 34

Bill C-41 was passed to allow alternative sentencing

Question 35

1999

Answer 35

Territory of Nunavut is formed

Question 36

2006

Answer 36

Manitoba Metis Federation goes to court against federal & provincial gov