1. The “Just Society” Aboriginal Rights

3. The Continuing Struggle… Prior to 1950 Natives (Aboriginals) did not possess the right to vote in federal or provincial elections Native issues were governed by the Indian Act, which was very old- fashioned and restrictive Some Native religious ceremonies were banned Conditions on Native reserves were often sub-standard due to location and a lack of resources promised by the gov’t Residential schools were still in operation Racism and discrimination, both informal and systemic was widespread In order to maintain their “Indian Status”, natives had to live on reserves and could not vote Starting in 1950 By 1960, all aboriginals gained the right to vote and maintain their “Indian status” The Indian Act was revised: – The Potlatch, Sun Dance and other ceremonies were allowed – Women could vote in band elections – The bands gained more authority and freedom from the Ministry of Indian Affairs Residential schools were finally closed in 1970 Land claims by Aboriginal groups began to gain some public support

4. In 1969, the Trudeau Gov’t published a “White Paper” (policy document) outlining their suggestions for helping to integrate Aboriginals into Canadian society. These suggestions were met with fierce resistance from Native leaders who saw it as a renewed attempt at assimilating Native culture. They responded with what they termed their “Red Paper” Trudeau’s White Paper There should be no distinction (good or bad) between the treatment of Natives and non- Natives Natives would get services from the provinces, not the Fed. Gov’t Abolish the Indian Act Abolish reserve lands Terminate treaties Abolish “special status” for Natives

5. Neither side could convince the other and nothing was accomplished The “Red Paper” Maintain “special status” to protect Aboriginal cultures from assimilation Provide access to the same services and rights as other Canadians Recognize Natives as “citizens +” with unique rights (many guaranteed in previous treaties)

6. Progress…slow, but steady progress… The Supreme Court recognized that past treaties (no matter how old) were still valid and should be updated and honoured by the Canadian Gov’t. eg. “medicine chest” = health insurance Bands received the right to administer their own community schools to address the cultural needs of their children The 1982 Constitution recognized the need to respect and honour previous treaties and land claims In 1985, Native women finally won the right to full equality with native men under the Indian Act Aboriginal groups have demanded the right to self- government on their lands and many have gained that right. Each of these victories only came after long and fierce protest, struggle, and pressure from Native groups and their supporters…none were “easy wins”

7. Land Claims The Federal gov’t has set up a forum to address the two types of “land claims” by Native groups: – Comprehensive (where Natives NEVER surrendered land title – Specific (where treaties were made, but then ignored by the gov’t) Native groups are asking for the compensation and rights they were promised and control over areas in which they never gave up their title The creation of Nunavit in 1999 was a major victory for land claims Unfortunately, the land claims process is very slow and fraught with controversy. This has led to confrontations and incidents between Native groups and the Gov’t – Quebec Inuit Relocation – Lubicon Cree dispute – Ipperwash Crisis – Oka Crisis – Caledonia dispute There have been protests, occupations, violent clashes, and even deaths as a result of these disputes

8. CONFLICT in OKA, Quebec Turn to page 44 in your text. Record the key events that occurred during the Oka Crisis

9. Bill C-45: 2012 page 98 in Text 1)How did Bill C-45 alter the Navigable Waters Protection Act? 2)Why did McAdam reach out to her friends?(read VOICES) What is “acquiescence”? 3)What did McLean, Wilson, McAdam and Gordon do about it? What impact did they have? 4)Answer the question posed at the end of the reading.

10. Power of Pictures What is the attitude of each man? How do you know? What does this convey about the relationship between Aboriginals and the gov’t? In light of Bill C-45, why is this still relevant? Patrick Cloutier, a 'Van Doo‘[ Van Doo refers to Royal 22 nd Regiment—a--play on French pronunciation of 22-vingt-two )] perimeter sentry, and Anishinaabe Warrior Brad Larocque, a University of Saskatchewan economics student, facing off.

11. “The treatment of children in Indian Residential Schools is a sad chapter in our history.” –PM Stephen Harper In 2008, PM Stephen Harper (and the Federal gov’t) finally officially recognized the grave injustice done to Aboriginals and their communities by the Residential School policy An official apology was published and provisions made for restitutions to both former students and their communities https://www.aadnc- aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100015644 /1100100015649

12. APTN page 130 in text What is the APTN? Why would this be beneficial?

13. Harper & Truth and Reconciliation Commission(TRC) 2008: The TRC was established in 2008 and is a component of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Its mandate is to inform all Canadians about what happened in Indian Residential Schools (IRS). The Commission was asked to document the truth of survivors, families, communities and anyone personally affected by the IRS experience

14. What is the political or social issue presented in the cartoon? What techniques are used by the cartoonist to help the audience understand the context or situation? (8 marks) What is the cartoonist’s viewpoint (how does he she convey bias) on this issue? How do you know? Be sure to identify the techniques are employed by the cartoonist. (5 marks)

15. Power in a Picture Residential school survivor Joe George, right, and elder Marie George embrace during a Truth and Reconciliation Commission event. A judge ruled Thursday that each survivor will decide if their testimony is preserved or destroyed. What do you learn from this photo? Why? Why is the judge’s decision a step forward? Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press

16. Justin Trudeau & Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report: 2015 http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/12/15/state ment-prime-minister-release-final-report- truth-and-reconciliation-commission http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/12/15/state ment-prime-minister-release-final-report- truth-and-reconciliation-commission Read this article

17. Quotable Quotations Choose ONE quotation that shows that Canada is becoming a JUST society and explain why. Choose ONE quotation that demonstrates that we still have work to do and explain why.