Problems Caused by Treaties

Treaties failed to meet the First nations needs in many ways, but two are critical. The First Nations peoples lost enormous amounts of land, especially in southern Canada where the land is most productive. The First Nations peoples lost the ability and right to govern themselves.

Loss of Land and Economic Base In signing away their land, The First nations people were unable to use their land for hunting and fishing; therefore, they lost the ability to maintain their way of life. Today’s reserves account for less then 1% of Canada’s area, with a population of nearly 1 million. Few reserves have fertile land, minerals, commercial forests, fish, or animals. Consequently, reserve residence can stay on the reserve and face an uncertain future of unemployment, and possible poverty, or they can move to a bigger city seeking a better economic future.

Lack Of Self Government Before the European arrival, the First Nation Peoples successfully governed themselves in several ways. EG. Six nations of the Iroquois had one of the oldest democracies of the world. After the European’s arrived, the federal government made decisions how the First Nation peoples should live. Their treaties prevented the First Nations the ability to govern themselves.

Lack of self government affects the First Nations in many ways. The first Nations can not decide for themselves where and when they may carry out their traditional fishing and hunting, as the federal government wildlife laws prohibit them from hunting and fishing in certain places at certain times. First Nation Peoples have occasionally been harmed by development which they had no control over. E.g. The Bennett Dam in B.C. Although these projects many be good for the economy and many people within it, Development may not be good for the First Nation Peoples living in that area.

The most damaging government decision affecting the First Nations People may have been the impact of sending First Nation Children to residential schools. The main purpose of these schools was to teach the children the language and culture of the mainstream Canadian society with the hope of assimilating the children into it. First nation Parents were persuaded, often under duress, to send their children to these schools. Children attending these schools were punished if they spoke their own language or practice their own traditions. Abuse of these children sometimes occurred wile living at these schools. Both the government and Aboriginal authorities have spent many years trying to repair the emotional damage which occurred at these residential schools.

Today’s First Nation Peoples want self-government, as they believe it will strengthen and protect their culture. They believe self-Government will allow them to develop social programs that will more effectively address problems of isolation, alcoholism, suicide, sub-standard housing, drug abuse, and health. Self –Government will help expand their economic base which will reduce unemployment, poverty, and financial dependence on the government. In short, they want to control their own destinies.