Week 4: Membertou Case Discussion Flashcards
The Canadian Constitution recognizes 3 groups of Indigenous peoples…
First Nations, Inuit and Métis
What percentage of Canada’s total population was represented by Indigenous peoples in 2021?
5%
How many First Nations communities are there in Canada?
630
What were the 2 purposes of the Royal Proclamation issued by King George III for the administration of British territories in North America?
- Established the recognition of First Nation rights in Canada
- Laid the foundation of the treaty-making process
Under the “Indian Act” in 1884, the federal government banned…
Potlatches
From Confederation until 1920, and also written in the “Indian Act,” First Nations people had no right to…
Vote in federal or provincial elections
What was the purpose of Section 141 under the “Indian Act”, introduced by the Federal government in 1927?
It banned the solicitation or collection of funds to pursue a legal claim on behalf of an Indigenous person or group without the permission of the Department of Indian Affairs.
What were the two primary objectives of the residential school system?
- To remove and isolate children from their homes, families, traditions, and cultures
- To assimilate them into the dominant culture
Which parties were involved in the funding and operation of the residential school system?
The Government of Canada along with various religious organizations (including the Anglican, Presbyterian, United, and Roman Catholic churches)
How many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were put into the residential school system, and removed and separated from their families and communities?
150,000
When did the last federally run residential school close?
The late 1990s
What is the core meaning of “Reconciliation?”
“Establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples,” which requires…
1. “awareness of the past,
2. acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted,
3. atonement for the causes,
4. and action to change behaviour”
Name 3 ways the ‘United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ calls upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt reconciliation framework and apply aspects involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources.
- Commit to meaningful consultation
- Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training and educational opportunities
- Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples
What percentage of private-sector businesses operating in Canada were owned by First Nations people, Métis or Inuit in 2021?
1.7%
What are the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?
- Land
- Self Determination
- Consultation
- Free, prior and informed consent
What is the definition of “Land” as one of the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?
Ownership and possession of the lands they traditionally occupy
What is the definition of “Self-determination” as one of the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?
Freedom to…
* Choose how to pursue economic, social and cultural development
* Determine how to dispose of their lands and natural resources
What is the definition of “Consultation” as one of the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?
Establishing a genuine dialogue between parties to reach a common accord
What is the definition of “Free, Prior and Informed Consent” as one of the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?
Decision-making right to either permit, agree to a modified version, or withhold consent to a project
Merbertou is a _ community?
Mi’kmaq
Where is the Membertou community located?
On Unama’ki, Cape Breton Island
Membertou is a Mi’kmaq community. How many Mi’kmaq communities are in Cape Breton?
5
Membertou is a Mi’kmaq community. How many Mi’kmaq communities are in Nova Scotia?
13
What is the current population of Mi’kmaq peoples (including both on and off-reserve members)
1,695
The first time an Indigenous community was legally forced to relocate was in 1926. This move was administrated by…
The Exchequer Court of Canada
As of 1995, the state of the Membertou communitiy was suffering due to 2 reasons:
- On a steady path of decline
- Unemployment rates were high
Membertou has now flourished into a thriving and progressive community in 3 key ways:
- The budget has grown into a current 112-million-dollar operating budget
- The number of employees increased from 37 to nearly 600
- In 2019, Membertou Development Corporation was named as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies
“Supporting reconciliation efforts is a way to have a positive…”
Social Impact
Economic reconciliation can be achieved by 4 things:
- Ensuring participation as equals in the economy
- A less adversarial approach and more collaboration
- Respect for Indigenous rights
- A fair distribution of costs and benefits
