Indigenous Self Government & Self Determination

The indigenous ideology is representative of the self determination and self government that indigenous people have been working towards not only for decolonization but for indigenous perspectives to be acknowledged in the Canadian government regarding indigenous people. Indigenous people have endured immense colonization and assimilation, one process being the residential school system. The negative impacts of the forced colonization and assimilation have and continue to impact future generations in just a few forms such as poverty, isolation, and violations of basic human rights (Assembly of First Nations, 2011). The indigenous perspective works towards the healing and recognition of these negative impacts and influences processes of indigenous self determination and self government. Mawhiney and Hardy (2009) state “Many Canadians remain perplexed about Aboriginal peoples’ demands for recognition of their inherent right of self-government and self-determination” (p.95). The government of Canada has negatively impacted indigenous people through processes of colonization and assimilation that have resulted in marginalization and oppression. The indigenous perspective works towards the process of decolonization, where indigenous people can work towards healing and revitalization of culture and spirituality.

In 1982 the government of Canada recognized the inherent right for indigenous people to self govern. Under section 35 of the constitution act the government of Canada recognize indigenous perspectives in their inherent right to self government (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 2011). This amazing adjustment to the constitution act happened four years after I was born, I know it is better late than never but it is amazing that after years of immense struggle for indigenous people at only this time were rights for self government coming into play. Although it is not surprizing due to the marginalization and oppression indigenous people have face and continue to face. As a First Nation woman it is exciting to be a part of the generation that is learning the self government and self determination process.  

The Assembly of First Nations’ state (2011) “The past cannot be changed, but yesterday's injustices can be corrected by today's political leaders. The Assembly of First Nations exists to fulfill the goal of correcting these past injustices and to enhance the rightful position of the First Nations Peoples in Canada's future”. Through the processes of indigenous self determination and self government indigenous people are fighting for their Human Rights. A few examples of the rights being fought for are: having adequate housing on and off reserve, poverty, water rights, cultural and spiritual revitalization, language restoration, these are just to name a few. The injustices that have been endured by indigenous people are horrific but the resilience is a common theme, and because of self government and self determination indigenous people are working to decolonize and better current and future generations.  As a First Nation woman I feel that being knowledgeable about my rights as an indigenous person is significant so that I cannot only help myself but influence future generations.

-Danielle

References

Mawhiney, A., Hardy, S. (2009) Aboriginal peoples in Canada. In J.C. Turner and F.J.Turner (Eds). Canadian social welfare (pp.95-109). Toronto, ON: Pearson Canada.

Assembly of First Nation (2011). Our Story retrieved from  http://www.afn.ca/index.php/en/about-afn/our-story

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (2011). The Government of Canada's Approach to Implementation of the Inherent Right and the Negotiation of Aboriginal Self-Government retrieved from http://ainc-inac.gc.ca/eng/1100100031843#inhrsg