Subjugation, Self-Management, and Self-Government of Aboriginal Lands and Resources

Sherry L. Douglas-Keetch was a library technician in Longford Mills, Ontario.

This background paper was produced as one of a series by the Project on Aboriginal Peoples and Constitutional Reform. The Project’s purpose is to conduct research aimed at clarifying concepts and issues pertaining to aboriginal governments and to broaden public understanding of these issues.

This publication, as the title implies, is a review of the existing control exercised by aboriginal peoples over their lands and resources. This information is difficult to find elsewhere, and the author does a fine job of presenting a comprehensive, brief, readable survey.

The contents page, preface, abstract, and notes assist the reader in deciphering this difficult legal subject.

Bartlett outlines the problems inherent in the management of aboriginal lands. Various levels of government are involved. This makes speedy negotiations difficult. As well, both federal and provincial laws severely limit aboriginal powers over land and resources. A change in policy is necessary to alter this pattern. The author reaches the conclusion that “self-government of aboriginal lands and resources” does not exist in Canada.

Currently there are some functioning accords such as the James Bay Agreement in existence. The outcome of these negotiations will help determine the direction in which the recognition of aboriginal self-government is moving.