Aboriginal Governance: Emerging Directions, (NDG4M) Grade 12, University/College Preparation
Course Description
This course investigates how Aboriginal governments exercise authority and demonstrate responsibilities associated with governance in Canada. Students will explore Aboriginal world views regarding identity, relationships among Aboriginal peoples and between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians, and Aboriginal definitions of sovereignty. Students will also compare traditional and contemporary forms of Aboriginal governance and will examine Aboriginal and Canadian relations, focusing on empowerment and the inherent right to self-government.
The course examines the roots of Aboriginal self-determination in the traditional governance structures of Aboriginal communities, and the profound impact on those communities exerted by European colonial powers. The Canadian government, as heir to the European colonial tradition, has exercised and continues to exercise power over Aboriginal peoples and communities. Aboriginal peoples, on the other hand, have not relinquished their inherent right to self-government, which arises from the relationship of
the Aboriginal community to the land. The result has been a long and often frustrating process of negotiation on questions of sovereignty, identity, and control over land, water, and other resources. In different regions of Canada there are situations where some tribes signed treaties with either British Government representatives (pre-1867) or Canadian Government representatives (post-1867) while other tribes did not. The true interpretation of the meaning and implications of treaty signing often becomes
confused in balancing legal wordings, translations and oral agreements, and actual government policies in recognizing and carrying out the terms of the treaties. Tribal perspectives understandably vary on the interpretations of governance issues, and on compliance with treaty obligations, especially amongst tribes or nations who have not signed treaties. As Aboriginal peoples reassert their rights to self-determination, all Canadians need to consider what is meant by such terms as sovereignty and inherent rights, and find new ways of allowing for the legitimate aspirations of Canada’s First Peoples.
To see the Daily Lessons go to the sub tab of the current unit we are in.
Course Description
This course investigates how Aboriginal governments exercise authority and demonstrate responsibilities associated with governance in Canada. Students will explore Aboriginal world views regarding identity, relationships among Aboriginal peoples and between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians, and Aboriginal definitions of sovereignty. Students will also compare traditional and contemporary forms of Aboriginal governance and will examine Aboriginal and Canadian relations, focusing on empowerment and the inherent right to self-government.
The course examines the roots of Aboriginal self-determination in the traditional governance structures of Aboriginal communities, and the profound impact on those communities exerted by European colonial powers. The Canadian government, as heir to the European colonial tradition, has exercised and continues to exercise power over Aboriginal peoples and communities. Aboriginal peoples, on the other hand, have not relinquished their inherent right to self-government, which arises from the relationship of
the Aboriginal community to the land. The result has been a long and often frustrating process of negotiation on questions of sovereignty, identity, and control over land, water, and other resources. In different regions of Canada there are situations where some tribes signed treaties with either British Government representatives (pre-1867) or Canadian Government representatives (post-1867) while other tribes did not. The true interpretation of the meaning and implications of treaty signing often becomes
confused in balancing legal wordings, translations and oral agreements, and actual government policies in recognizing and carrying out the terms of the treaties. Tribal perspectives understandably vary on the interpretations of governance issues, and on compliance with treaty obligations, especially amongst tribes or nations who have not signed treaties. As Aboriginal peoples reassert their rights to self-determination, all Canadians need to consider what is meant by such terms as sovereignty and inherent rights, and find new ways of allowing for the legitimate aspirations of Canada’s First Peoples.
To see the Daily Lessons go to the sub tab of the current unit we are in.