First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 12 · Governance and Self-Determination · 4.º Período

Pathways to Self-Government

Students investigate contemporary models of Indigenous self-government and the transition away from the Indian Act. The focus is on nation-rebuilding and the exercise of inherent rights.

TL;DR:This topic explores the transition from the restrictive governance of the Indian Act to Indigenous self-government. Students investigate different models of self-government, such as the Nisga'a Nation, the Westbank First Nation, and the Tłı̨chǫ Government. The focus is on how these nations exercise their inherent right to govern their own affairs, including education, health, and economic development.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• H3.1 Assess contemporary models of Indigenous self-government
• H3.2 Analyze the challenges of transitioning away from the Indian Act

About This Topic

This topic explores the transition from the restrictive governance of the Indian Act to Indigenous self-government. Students investigate different models of self-government, such as the Nisga'a Nation, the Westbank First Nation, and the Tłı̨chǫ Government. The focus is on how these nations exercise their inherent right to govern their own affairs, including education, health, and economic development.

Students will analyze the challenges of 'nation-rebuilding,' which involves not just changing laws but also revitalizing traditional governance structures and healing from colonial trauma. This topic is about the future of Indigenous-Canada relations and the practical exercise of sovereignty. This topic comes alive when students can engage in collaborative problem-solving to design a 'transition plan' for a community moving away from the Indian Act.

Key Questions

1. What does Indigenous self-government look like in practice?
2. How are communities transitioning away from the Indian Act?
3. What are the benefits and challenges of nation-rebuilding?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Self-government means Indigenous nations are no longer part of Canada.

What to Teach Instead

Self-government is a form of 'shared sovereignty' within the Canadian federation, similar to how provinces have their own powers. Peer teaching about different models can clarify this relationship.

Common Misconception

The Indian Act is easy to get rid of.

What to Teach Instead

The Indian Act is tied to funding and legal status; replacing it requires years of community planning and legal negotiation. A 'transition plan' activity helps students see the complexity of this process.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

Self-Government Models

Each group researches a different self-governing nation in Canada and creates a 'success profile' highlighting one area where they have seen improvement (e.g., education).

60 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate

The Indian Act vs. Self-Government

Students debate the challenges and benefits of moving away from the Indian Act, focusing on issues like funding, jurisdiction, and community readiness.

45 min·Small Groups

Stations Rotation

Nation-Rebuilding Pillars

Students move through stations focused on the 'pillars' of nation-rebuilding: constitution-making, judicial systems, and economic strategy, recording why each is necessary.

50 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Band Council and Self-Government?

A Band Council is a structure imposed by the Indian Act and reports to the federal government. Self-government is a system designed by the Indigenous nation itself and is accountable to its own citizens.

What is 'Nation-Rebuilding'?

It is the process by which an Indigenous nation restores its own governance capacity, revitalizes its culture and language, and builds the institutions necessary to exercise self-determination effectively.

How can active learning help students understand self-government?

Active learning allows students to see self-government as a practical, ongoing process. By investigating real-world examples and debating the merits of different models, they understand that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution.

What are the main benefits of self-government?

Benefits include more culturally relevant services (like education and health), greater control over land and resources, and the ability to make decisions that reflect the community's unique values and priorities.