Week 4: Membertou Case Discussion

Question 1

The Canadian Constitution recognizes 3 groups of Indigenous peoples…

Answer 1

First Nations, Inuit and Métis

Question 2

What percentage of Canada’s total population was represented by Indigenous peoples in 2021?

Answer 2

5%

Question 3

How many First Nations communities are there in Canada?

Answer 3

630

Question 4

What were the 2 purposes of the Royal Proclamation issued by King George III for the administration of British territories in North America?

Answer 4

1. Established the recognition of First Nation rights in Canada
2. Laid the foundation of the treaty-making process

Question 5

Under the “Indian Act” in 1884, the federal government banned…

Answer 5

Potlatches

Question 6

From Confederation until 1920, and also written in the “Indian Act,” First Nations people had no right to…

Answer 6

Vote in federal or provincial elections

Question 7

What was the purpose of Section 141 under the “Indian Act”, introduced by the Federal government in 1927?

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

What were the two primary objectives of the residential school system?

Answer 8

1. To remove and isolate children from their homes, families, traditions, and cultures
2. To assimilate them into the dominant culture

Question 9

Which parties were involved in the funding and operation of the residential school system?

Answer 9

The Government of Canada along with various religious organizations (including the Anglican, Presbyterian, United, and Roman Catholic churches)

Question 10

How many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were put into the residential school system, and removed and separated from their families and communities?

Answer 10

150,000

Question 11

When did the last federally run residential school close?

Answer 11

The late 1990s

Question 12

What is the core meaning of “Reconciliation?”

Answer 12

“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”

Question 13

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.

Answer 13

1. Commit to meaningful consultation
2. Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training and educational opportunities
3. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples

Question 14

What percentage of private-sector businesses operating in Canada were owned by First Nations people, Métis or Inuit in 2021?

Answer 14

1.7%

Question 15

What are the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?

Answer 15

1. Land
2. Self Determination
3. Consultation
4. Free, prior and informed consent

Question 16

What is the definition of “Land” as one of the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?

Answer 16

Ownership and possession of the lands they traditionally occupy

Question 17

What is the definition of “Self-determination” as one of the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?

Answer 17

Freedom to…
* Choose how to pursue economic, social and cultural development
* Determine how to dispose of their lands and natural resources

Question 18

What is the definition of “Consultation” as one of the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?

Answer 18

Establishing a genuine dialogue between parties to reach a common accord

Question 19

What is the definition of “Free, Prior and Informed Consent” as one of the 4 primary rights of Indigenous Peoples?

Answer 19

Decision-making right to either permit, agree to a modified version, or withhold consent to a project

Question 20

Merbertou is a _ community?

Answer 20

Mi’kmaq

Question 21

Where is the Membertou community located?

Answer 21

On Unama’ki, Cape Breton Island

Question 22

Membertou is a Mi’kmaq community. How many Mi’kmaq communities are in Cape Breton?

Answer 22

5

Question 23

Membertou is a Mi’kmaq community. How many Mi’kmaq communities are in Nova Scotia?

Answer 23

13

Question 24

What is the current population of Mi’kmaq peoples (including both on and off-reserve members)

Answer 24

1,695

Question 25

The first time an Indigenous community was legally forced to relocate was in 1926. This move was administrated by…

Answer 25

The Exchequer Court of Canada

Question 26

As of 1995, the state of the Membertou communitiy was suffering due to 2 reasons:

Answer 26

1. On a steady path of decline
2. Unemployment rates were high

Question 27

Membertou has now flourished into a thriving and progressive community in 3 key ways:

Answer 27

1. The budget has grown into a current 112-million-dollar operating budget
2. The number of employees increased from 37 to nearly 600
3. In 2019, Membertou Development Corporation was named as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies

Question 28

“Supporting reconciliation efforts is a way to have a positive…”

Answer 28

Social Impact

Question 29

Economic reconciliation can be achieved by 4 things:

Answer 29

1. Ensuring participation as equals in the economy
2. A less adversarial approach and more collaboration
3. Respect for Indigenous rights
4. A fair distribution of costs and benefits