The Indigenous Approaches to Governance in Canada program provides foundational knowledge on concepts, themes and topics needed to understand and appreciate Indigenous governance. Participants will learn about the historical and contemporary challenges facing Indigenous Peoples, including the Indian Act and its impact on Indigenous governance. Topics are organized by eras, beginning with pre-contact Indigenous governance systems and European colonization of Indigenous governance, then proceeding to Indigenous resistance and the revival of the inherent right, nation-building, and ways Indigenous nations are implementing self-government, along with its challenges and successes.
Governance in an Indigenous context is the way people make decisions together as a self-defined socio-political community. It is a fundamental system of organized societies and is structured in diverse ways. Indigenous governance systems across Canada have similarities with western democratic governance principles and practices; however, they are very different, distinct and unique. Intentional and active oppression of Indigenous governance in Canada began with colonization and the imposition of the Indian Act. For almost 150 years, the Indian Act continues to be the dominant federal, government-imposed governance framework for First Nations across Canada regardless of their specific cultural institutions or practices.
