If ever there was a perturbing issue that scares people, it is that of Aboriginal land claims. But there are many myths about the issue: Is it true that Aboriginal peoples
Aboriginal peoples
Often used interchangeably with “Indigenous peoples” and “First Peoples”, Aboriginal peoples refers to a diversity of nations and peoples with deep roots in the territories they have occupied for millennia. Their histories are intertwined through the impact of colonization and the cultural or physical genocides perpetrated against them by colonizing states. The Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes that there are three distinct Aboriginal peoples: Indians (now called First Nations), Métis and Inuit.
There are 11 Aboriginal nations recognized in Québec: Abenaki (Waban-Aki), Algonquin (Anishinabeg), Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok, Cree (Eeyou), Huron-Wendat, Inuit, Maliseet (Wolastoqiyik), Mi’gmaq (Micmac), Mohawk (Kanien’kehá:ka), Innu (Montagnais) and Naskapi. Across Canada, there are nearly sixty Aboriginal nations.
are claiming 80% of the territory in Québec? Are they going to wind up with a large part of the territory and deprive the rest of us of its resources? Will these land claims lead to the carving up of Québec?
Where do Aboriginal land claims come from and why haven’t we heard about them before? How is it, as some argue, that a handful of nomadic Aboriginal peoples who once roamed the woods covering vaguely defined territories can now claim full ownership of those lands for their sole benefit? More importantly, many people maintain that we can’t be held responsible for past wrongs and that there is a limit to playing the guilt card.
Members of the Stoney Nation, Banff, British Columbia, 1915.
Photo credit: E. M. Kindel, Courtesy of the Geological Survey of Canada
What major event in the summer of 1990 had a profound impact on relations between Aboriginal peoples and the rest of Québec’s population?
The Oka Crisis left deep wounds in Québec society, Mohawk communities and Aboriginal people in general. There was little, if any, public interest in Aboriginal issues prior to the Oka Crisis. Despite the media hype surrounding the crisis, this difficult period in our history unquestionably woke Quebecers up to the First Peoples who share the land.
