First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 11 · Governance and Self-Determination · 4.º Período

The Path to Self-Government

Trace the journey of Indigenous communities toward self-government and autonomy. Examine successful models of self-government and the challenges faced in negotiating these agreements.

TL;DR:This topic traces the journey of Indigenous communities toward self-government, the inherent right to manage their own affairs, lands, and resources. Students will examine successful models, such as the Nisga'a Final Agreement and the creation of Nunavut, as well as the ongoing challenges of negotiating these agreements with federal and provincial governments.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• G1.2 Evaluate the progress of Indigenous self-government initiatives
• G3.1 Analyze the challenges in negotiating self-government agreements

About This Topic

This topic traces the journey of Indigenous communities toward self-government, the inherent right to manage their own affairs, lands, and resources. Students will examine successful models, such as the Nisga'a Final Agreement and the creation of Nunavut, as well as the ongoing challenges of negotiating these agreements with federal and provincial governments.

For Grade 11 students, this is a study of modern nation-building. It helps them understand that self-government is not a 'gift' from the government, but a recognition of a right that was never lost. This topic is best taught through collaborative investigations into specific self-government agreements and role plays of the negotiation process.

Key Questions

1. What does self-government mean for Indigenous communities?
2. What are some successful examples of Indigenous self-government in Canada?
3. What challenges arise during self-government negotiations?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Self-government means Indigenous nations are leaving Canada.

What to Teach Instead

Self-government is about having jurisdiction over internal affairs within the Canadian federal framework, similar to how provinces have their own powers. Using the 'federalism' analogy helps students understand this relationship.

Common Misconception

Self-government is the same for every community.

What to Teach Instead

Every self-government agreement is unique and tailored to the specific needs, culture, and history of that nation. Comparing two different agreements (e.g., an urban vs. a remote community) highlights this diversity.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

Self-Government Success Stories

Small groups research a specific self-government agreement (e.g., Westbank First Nation, Nisga'a, Nunatsiavut). They must identify which powers the community now controls (e.g., education, taxes, land use) and how it has benefited them.

50 min·Small Groups

Role Play

Negotiating a Self-Government Agreement

Pairs of students act as negotiators for an Indigenous nation and the federal government. They are given a list of 'powers' (e.g., policing, marriage laws) and must try to agree on which ones should be transferred to the community and why.

45 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share

The Meaning of Autonomy

Students reflect on what 'autonomy' means in their own lives and then apply that to a community. They discuss with a partner why a community would want to run its own schools or courts, then share with the class.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nisga'a Final Agreement?

Signed in 2000, it was the first modern-day treaty in British Columbia. It recognized the Nisga'a people's right to self-government and gave them control over their land, resources, and social services, serving as a landmark model for other nations.

How is Nunavut different from other self-government models?

Nunavut is a public government within the Canadian federation, meaning it serves all residents (Inuit and non-Inuit). However, because the majority of the population is Inuit, the government is designed to reflect Inuit values, language, and culture, making it a unique form of self-determination.

How can active learning help students understand self-government?

Active learning strategies like role plays and collaborative investigations allow students to see the practical complexities of 'taking back' power. By negotiating which laws a community should control, students gain a deeper appreciation for the legal and administrative skills required for nation-building and the importance of community-led solutions.

What are the main challenges in negotiating self-government?

The main challenges include long negotiation times (often decades), high legal costs, disagreements over land boundaries, and the difficulty of reconciling Indigenous legal systems with Canadian law.