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Aboriginal Self-Government: The Sovereignty Model

1361 Words6 Pages

Name: Sunniva Cyvin
ID: 1456500
Course: POL S 225
Prof.: D. Blythe
Date: October 30th 2015

Aboriginal self-government: The Sovereignty Model

Introduction
Currently, there are many models of Aboriginal self-government in Canada. Some of these governance options are the assimilation model, self-government model and sovereignty model. (Dyck & Cochrane, 2014 p. 70-71)
The Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indians, Metis and Inuit, without defining those rights. The status of Aboriginal self-government has therefore been a matter of extensive debate. Several approaches have examined how self-government for Aborignal people both in urban areas, on reserves and off reserves might …show more content…

The general sentiment is that colonial controls and strict control that has been heaped on aboriginals for many years, must be rejected. The disgraceful treatment of aboriginals has led to a strong desire for more independence and self-government. This is one of the Sovereignty Models goals, in addition to wanted autonomy regarding legislative, and also financial authority. The focus of this model is to exercise aboriginal sovereignty at a national level. Sovereignty can manifest itself through treaty or alliance making processes, but this is making the aboriginals independent enough. The model Aboriginal Sovereignty model is popular among those who feel that Aboriginals are living in a "post-colonial" society, and that self-government processes other than actual sovereignty is a sellout because they are determined by the white society's wishes. This model may be the underlying optimal model for many, but only a small number of militants see it as a realistic …show more content…

There are many reasons why some aboriginals choose to fight the losing battle of being independet of the Canadian state, and absolute sovereignty. Some believe that Aboriginals differ from other Canadians, they see themselves as a sovereign people, deserving of self-government, distinct political status and de jure sovereignty including internal and external jurisdiction. Another reason is that the Aboriginals ancestors lived in Canada before the European and had their own, working system of governance, with a stable culture, economy and political system. The people who fight for Sovereignty, wants to re-implement that system of governance. There is also a belief that the system of governance currently implemented will eventually lead to the destruction of the aboriginal language and their culture, and that sovereignty would help preserve their lifestyle from further erosion. The believers in the Sovereignty Model believe that this model is an absolute necessity for the continued survival of the Aboriginal culture in Canada. Many wish for restribution of wealth which will lessen the control exerted over Aboriginals by the Federal government, which would eventually lead to Aboriginal jurisdiction over territories. Supporters of the Sovereignty models believes this will protect their lands and ensure sustainable control over their territories, which

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