Reserves Policy

The problem with the reserves policy is that it inhibits the First Nations people to pursue a traditional, independent, or even a standard lifestyle.
There are three substantial ways in which the reserves policy does so.

1)     Establishment of reserves. – First Nations were typically roaming peoples, going from place to place in order to sustain themselves. As they are now confined to a plot of land they lack the ability to do so and now must rely on government aid.

2)     Funding of Reserves – The government funds reserves in the hopes that it would allow the First Nations to pursue a traditional lifestyle and retain their culture. But the proposed solution has been its own undoing. By funding reserves the government has taken away their incentive to work and has rendered them unaccountable for their own lives. This being contrary a traditional lifestyle.

3)     Neglecting Reserves – By funding the First Nations the government has effectively become responsible for their livelihood. But the government is either incapable or unwilling to do so, leaving the First Nations in an impoverished state as was the case in Attawapiskat.    

The Reserves policy should, like the entirety of the Indian Act, be abolished and a new policy enacted and this time with the consultation of the first Nations.

-Stephen