Aboriginal Self Government

"Building on the success of the first two editions, this volume briefly recaps the historical development and public acceptance of the concept of Aboriginal self-government, then proceeds to examine its theoretical underpinnings, the state of Aboriginal self-government in Canada today, and the many practical issues surrounding implementation. Topics addressed include: justice innovations, initiatives in health and education to grant greater Aboriginal control, financing and intergovernmental relations, Aboriginal-municipal government relations, developing effective Aboriginal leadership, Métis self government aspirations, the intersection of women's rights and self-government, and international perspectives. Various self-government arrangements already in existence are examined including the establishment of Nunavut, the James Bay Agreement, Treaty Land Entitlement settlements, the Alberta Métis settlements, and many other land claims settlements that have granted Aboriginal communities greater control over their affairs."--Pub. website.

A timely study of the Aboriginal rights movements, this collection of essays explores the situation in Canada and Mexico, where demands by Native peoples for political autonomy and sovereignty are increasing, and suggests why there is little corresponding activity in the United States. The contributors address practical questions about the viability of multiple governments within one political system and epistemological questions about recognizing and understanding the "other." Curtis Cook is professor of political science, The Colorado College. Juan D. Lindau is professor of political science, The Colorado College.

This collection of papers on self-government and self-determination for native groups (First Nations) in Canada, presents a variety of views on an acceptable definition, the implications of the ideas and theory, and means of implementation.

Note: The papers assembled in this volume were commissioned from the authors by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples as part of its research program. The papers were completed between August 1993 and November 1994. The opinions expressed in the papers are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions or positions of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

An overview of the structures and institutions of aboriginal self-government, including arrangements under the Indian Act and other acts. Also describes self-government arrangements in 3 specific policy sectors - education, land and resources, and economic development.

Indigenous Peoples in Canada are continuing to assert their right to self-determination in this era of reconciliation. While dozens of Indigenous communities have signed varying forms of self-government agreements with the federal government, Indigenous Nations still face many obstacles along the path to true self-determination. As a former Chief of Siksika Nation in southern Alberta, Leroy Wolf Collar dealt with many of the same problems other Indigenous Nations face across the country. From serious housing shortages to the lack of opportunities for youth, Chief Wolf Collar experienced the challenges and frustrations that come from operating in a colonial system still constrained by the Indian Act. How do Indigenous Peoples move on from this defective system? Chief Wolf Collar identifies 17 issues that currently hinder Indigenous Nations—including broken treaty promises, problems with common forms of band administration, and the intrusion of provincial governments—along with potential solutions to overcome them. This guide is for current and aspiring Indigenous leaders who want to increase their understanding of good governance, management, and leadership, as well as those who want to explore issues around Indigenous self-determination in Canada.