Peter McKenna: Untangling aboriginal self-government – The Guardian
“We must begin serious negotiations on advancing the self-government agenda in Canada”
September 15, 2017
Recently, the Trudeau government introduced a series of initiatives to further Aboriginal self-government and self-determination – including the splitting of the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs into two separate ministries.
The new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations will be tasked with accelerating “self-government and self-determination agreements based on new policies, laws and operational practices.”
This is a very tricky policy file – replete with political landmines, twists and turns and huge impediments – but one which can’t be ignored forever.
In July, the federal Justice Department released its 10 principles that will guide the governing Liberals in securing reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples. The very first principle is strikingly clear: “The Government of Canada recognizes that all relations with indigenous peoples need to be based on the recognition and implementation of their right to self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government.”
