Much has been made of the privileges enjoyed by Aboriginal people under the IndianIndian Act: tax exemptions, all sorts of special health, education and housing measures, and much more. At first glance, it could certainly seem that they are better treated than the majority of citizens.The term Indian is still used legally to refer to people with Indian status under the Indian Act, which is still in force in Canada. However, it is considered outdated and should be replaced with First Nation or member of a First Nation.
In this regard, some people have the impression that the Indian Act has turned Aboriginal people into spoiled children who are not the least bit interested in giving up all the tax benefits they receive. Moreover, Aboriginal people are thought by some to have been allowed to exploit the system because they don’t pay taxes and have all sorts of privileges without wanting to take any responsibility. Aboriginal people are said to be costing Non-Aboriginals a great deal; hence the federal government should stop supporting them. Then they would see that autonomy entails concomitant responsibilities. Furthermore, it is thought that First Nations should be given their autonomy at the earliest possible moment, after which government support should stop.
Such beliefs, expressed openly during open-line radio shows or in letters from readers of major dailies, judge Aboriginal communities harshly and with finality. The tone is particularly hurtful and betrays a great deal of ignorance and misunderstanding.
An in-depth analysis of the Indian Act reveals that, far from constituting a regime of privileges, it actually constitutes a regime of Indian guardianship. Although, at first glance, guardianship appears to be advantageous, it has many serious drawbacks.
Photo credit: Keystone Press Agency, New York, collection of Pierre Lepage
Question 21 of 33
