First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 10 · Resistance, Resilience, and Rights · 3.º Período

Self-Determination and Governance

Examine the concepts of Indigenous self-determination and the transition towards self-governance models.

TL;DR:This topic examines the concepts of Indigenous self-determination and the transition toward self-governance models. Students explore how Indigenous nations are working to move beyond the Indian Act and regain control over their own affairs, including education, health care, and land management. The Ontario curriculum focuses on different models of self-government, such as the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Act.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• D1.2 Describe models of Indigenous self-governance
• D2.1 Evaluate the importance of self-determination for community well-being

About This Topic

This topic examines the concepts of Indigenous self-determination and the transition toward self-governance models. Students explore how Indigenous nations are working to move beyond the Indian Act and regain control over their own affairs, including education, health care, and land management. The Ontario curriculum focuses on different models of self-government, such as the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Act.

By studying these models, students understand that self-governance is not a 'new' idea but a return to the sovereignty that Indigenous nations exercised for millennia. This unit also addresses the challenges of this transition, such as funding and the need for new administrative structures. This topic particularly benefits from hands-on, student-centered approaches where students can compare different governance models and evaluate their effectiveness for community well-being.

Key Questions

1. What does self-determination mean for Indigenous communities?
2. How do modern self-government agreements work?
3. What challenges exist in transitioning away from the Indian Act?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Self-government means Indigenous nations will become completely separate countries.

What to Teach Instead

Most self-government agreements operate within the framework of the Canadian Constitution, creating a 'third order' of government alongside federal and provincial/territorial levels. Station rotations help students see how these governments interact with Canada.

Common Misconception

Indigenous communities aren't 'ready' to govern themselves.

What to Teach Instead

Indigenous nations governed themselves successfully for thousands of years before the Indian Act. Collaborative investigations into modern successes help students see that the 'challenges' are often the result of colonial interference, not a lack of capability.

Active Learning Ideas

Stations Rotation

Models of Governance

Stations feature different examples of self-governance (e.g., a public government like Nunavut, a sectoral agreement like the Mi'kmaq Education Agreement). Students rotate to identify who has authority over what services and how the model differs from the Indian Act.

50 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

The Meaning of Sovereignty

Students reflect on what it means for a community to 'govern itself.' They pair up to discuss why control over education or child welfare is often a top priority for nations seeking self-determination, then share their thoughts with the class.

20 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle

Success Stories

In small groups, students research a specific community that has achieved a self-government agreement. They create a 'Success Profile' highlighting the improvements in community health, economy, or culture that have resulted from taking back control.

45 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'Self-Determination' and 'Self-Governance'?

Self-determination is the inherent right of a people to choose their own political status and pursue their own development. Self-governance is the practical exercise of that right through the creation of laws and administrative structures. One is the principle, the other is the practice.

How does Nunavut's government work?

Nunavut has a 'public government' model, meaning it represents all residents of the territory, not just Inuit. However, because the majority of the population is Inuit, the government reflects Inuit values and language (Inuktitut). It is unique in Canada as a territory created through a land claim agreement.

How can active learning help students understand self-governance?

Active learning strategies like comparing different governance models in a station rotation help students see that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution. By investigating real-world success stories, students move away from a deficit-based view of Indigenous communities and instead see the innovation and leadership involved in rebuilding nations. This makes the concept of sovereignty much more concrete and achievable.

Why is the Indian Act a barrier to self-governance?

The Indian Act is a paternalistic law that gives the federal government final authority over many aspects of reserve life. To achieve true self-governance, a nation must negotiate an agreement that removes them from the sections of the Indian Act that limit their decision-making power.