Aboriginal Nations – Part Two

The White Paper of 1969

• Issued by P.M. Pierre Trudeau and Indian Affairs Minister Jean Chretien

• Proposed dramatic changes to lives of Aboriginal people

The White Paper of 1969

• Repeal Indian Act

• End “special status”

• Assimilation• Believed this

would lead to fewer problems

The Red Paper• The White Paper was rejected by the aboriginal community

• The National Indian Brotherhood issued the Red Paper and demanded Self Government• The right to control their own affairs

• In 1971 the “White Paper” was withdrawn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyjcS-00Izk

Protests

• In the 1990’s there were growing rates of poverty, addiction & suicide on reserves

• Land claim negotiations were moving slowly

• Protests were organized

Oka, Quebec (1990)

• Town officials decided to expand a 9-hole golf course

• Would impact sacred Mohawk land

• Mohawks set up blockades of major roads for 6 months

Oka, Quebec (1990)

• Mayor called in provincial police

• July 11: officer was killed

• Daily violent confrontations occurred

• Premier Bourassa called in Canadian Forces

• September: Standoff ended

Oka, Quebec (1990)

• Solution = federal gov’t bought land, negotiated transfer to Kanesatake First Nation

Self-government

• 1982: Assembly of First Nations was created

• Purpose: to represent Aboriginal peoples in dealings w/ government

• Goal: Aboriginal groups becoming responsible for: policing, health care, education Shawn Atleo

Nisga’a Treaty

• 1998: Nisga’a of B.C. signed unique treaty w/ federal & provincial gov’ts

• Granted self-government

• Ownership of land, including all resources, fishing & hunting rights

Nunavut

• 1999: creation of new territory – largest treaty negotiated in Canada

• Gave Inuit people political control • Inuit comprise approx. 84% of the population