Distinct rights: What does it all mean?

Aboriginal peoples have long possessed and asserted rights distinct from those of other citizens.  Is this a historical aberration, an affront to the principle of equality for all? For most people, the answer is far from clear-cut.

Photo credit:  Cleveland Press, collection of Pierre Lepage

Take, for example, the infamous Indian Act. What are its origins? Does it create an unjust system of privileges? And what of the unique status accorded to the Inuit?

To unravel numerous misconceptions and truly understand, it’s essential to establish some historical context. Let’s get started!

Key Figures

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men and women who have shaped the history of Québec—both the well-known and the lesser-known.

Jean Chrétien

Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development who would go on to become Prime Minister of Canada

  • Politique d’assimilation
  • Key events

Nicolas Vincent Tsawenhohi

Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation

  • Aboriginal leaders
  • Aboriginal movements
  • Self-determination

Ted Moses

Prominent leader of the Cree Nation

  • Aboriginal leaders
  • Key events

Ghislain Picard

Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

  • Aboriginal leaders
  • Politics

Taamusi Qumaq

Historian, linguist, writer and politician

  • Aboriginal leaders
  • Key events
  • Ways of life

Sandra Lovelace and Janet Corbière-Lavell

Activists fighting for aboriginal women's rights

  • Aboriginal movements
  • Aboriginal women

Jules Sioui

Initiator of the North American Indian Nation Government

  • Aboriginal leaders
  • Self-determination
  • Key events
  • Politics

Fred O. Loft

Founder of the Indian League of Canada

  • Aboriginal leaders
  • Self-determination
  • Key events
  • Politics

Levi General (Deskaheh)

Cayuga Chief

  • Aboriginal leaders
  • Self-determination
  • Key events
  • Politics

Mrs. Joseph Boyer

Mohawk woman evicted from her community

  • Politique d’assimilation
  • Living Conditions
  • Aboriginal women

William Commanda

Keeper of the wampum

  • Culture
  • Aboriginal leaders
  • Politics
Discover their contributions