Beyond the “Indian Problem”: Aboriginal Peoples and the Transformation of Canada

• Main Authors: Newhouse, David R., Belanger, Yale D.
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 2010
• Subjects: Canada; Indian; First Nations
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195335354.003.0019; https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/chapter-pdf/44590140/book_28243_section_213344086.ag.pdf

Abstract This article discusses Aboriginal politics through the “Indian problem” and the “Canadian problem.” It emphasizes the significant events that happened in 1969 to 1995 which fostered Canada's gradual policy shift from a country promoting Indian assimilation to one embracing Aboriginal self-government. This period saw the emergence of Aboriginal governance as a central objective of Aboriginal leaders, who sought to reestablish nation-to-nation relationships between Canada and First Nations peoples and to acquire legitimacy as governments within the Canadian federation within their own right.