Aboriginal Self-Governance: British Colonialism and its impact on Aboriginal Government Structures Self-government : when a group of people exercise significant choices concerning their own political, cultural, economic and social affairs. Ms. Atwal Social Studies 11 Unit: Government

The Consensus Government an integral part of the Aboriginal political system. successful leader was an expert in diplomacy to maintain harmony with the community. The leader retained support of the influential centres of the community - elders, clan mothers, best hunters, spiritual leaders, and warrior societies. Important decisions only made after a consensus had been reached - often after days of discussions. When consensus was reached, the leader worked out terms and a final deal would be followed by ceremonial gift giving and celebrations. Traditions and deals were not formally written, Oral traditions were very important

Head Man System Was hereditary, youth were trained young by the elders to strengthen the necessary traits of courage and self-control. The term chief did not exist prior to European contact (made it easier for Europeans to negotiate) Clinging to power was difficult, chief had to have the consensus of all the people to maintain decision-making power. responsibilities were to manage trade, negotiate treaties, preserve harmony, sponsor ceremonies, and distribute the wealth within the community. In the Iroquois nations clan mothers had the power to make or break the appointment and support of a leader.

Matriarchy Vs. Patriarchy “matriarchy” is defined as a family, group or state governed by a “matriarch”, or female leader or where descent and inheritance are traced through the mother’s side of the family. patriarchies are more common worldwide than matriarchal societies. Patriarchies feature a dominant male figurehead and all inheritance and ancestry is traced through the father’s side of the family.

Aboriginal Matriarchy before European Contact In some Aboriginal matriarchal societies, they practised “consensus government”, everyone in the community gathered at the clan house to make important decisions. The clan mother was the leader of the clan house.

Aboriginal Matriarchy after European Contact early 1600s, when the Europeans first arrived, the social climate in Europe was one of male dominance. fur traders had no desire to deal with Aboriginal females in business transactions, by necessity, Native men became central forces in Aboriginal trading, politics, and economic development and took over women’s roles.

Indian Act 1876 Indian Act of 1876 introduced by the Canadian government stated that being Indian was to be male. only way women could be registered under the Indian Act was if their father was registered, or if they married a man who was registered. oppressive provision in the Indian Act would stand until 1985 when Bill C-31 was introduced. Where women’s Aboriginal status was reinstated.

Aboriginal Women Today European interaction with Aboriginal peoples resulted in a drastic change in lifestyle and social structure for Canada’s First Peoples. once highly respected, women were prohibited from running for chief and from voting in band elections as well. This changed in 1951 when regulations first permitted women to re-enter Aboriginal politics and let their concerns be heard. Slowly Aboriginal women have re-gained some power.