Indigenous Policies, Rights and Resistance: GOVERNMENT / SOVEREIGNTY

 Based on Indigenous Policies, Rights and Resistance: GOVERNMENT / SOVEREIGNTY

Historical context:

Historically, Indigenous Governments were different in different tribes. Each tribe used to follow their traditions. This traditional knowledge was based on their spiritual ways, culture, language, and social expertise. It contained a legal system, political structures, and inherited relationships with lands, water, and everything.  The Indigenous government never surrender their land to the European settlers. They didn’t accept European or settler laws. Indigenous leaders signed the treaty where European settlers and Indigenous people agreed to run their sovereign on the same ground.

In 1963, the Canadian parliament recognized the Indigenous government, and the parliament gave them their fixed territory to run their sovereign. However, this wasn’t an exemplary scenario. Indigenous sovereignty was often questioned for the failure of understanding, lack of knowledge and other criticism.

The Canadian government was Eurocentric, and on the other hand, the Indigenous community was based on spirituality and personal autonomy. And Indigenous communities were distinct from each other too. These differences help to ignore the Indigenous right and claims.

Connection to policy/policies:

The French and English settlers made policies that they could occupy the land of the Indigenous people. The treaty policies were to distract the Indigenous leader, and then the settlers made policies to destroy the Indigenous economy. For example, making the Indian reserve areas, introducing the residential schools, legislating the Indian Act etc.

The Indigenous people were adapting and making new policies for their governance by following the European style. In this way, their social, political, and economic institutions were impacted.

In 1982, the Canadian Constitution Act gave treaty rights to Indigenous people, which was a significant achievement for the Indigenous people.

How Indigenous groups have engaged in resistance, reconciliation and /or redress.:

Reconciliation was the fundamental purpose of the Canadian Constitution Act 1982. In this Act, Canada has accepted Indigenous people's different types of government systems. There will be mutual recognition between the Canadian government and the Indigenous government. Both governments agree to make a mutual friendship and collaboration for economic partnership and resource development.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process. The Canadian Constitutional Act 1982 has section 35, where information is given in detail about Indigenous rights. The Canadian government agreed to continue decolonization activity until a fair partnership was built between the Canadian government and the Indigenous community.

Different government systems in Canada

 Some countries in South Asia and other parts of the world are ruled by one governing body. So, for everything, one governing body is responsible.

The Canadian government system is a little different from this. Here, we have municipal government (police, traffic, city constructions, etc, are their responsibility). Then we have the premier and the provincial government (their duty is healthcare, education, etc.). Finally, we have the federal government (their duty is the security of the country, the budget for all provinces, etc.).

In Ontario, different governments are ruled by various parties. The city is run by an NDP supporter mayor, the Provincial government is run by the PC/Conservative party, and the Federal is run by the Liberals.

Now you know in which situation which party is to blame or support.

Government's earning

 I believe every layer of government, like federal, provincial, or any other, should have its own earning system. They shouldn't just rely on tax. That means people's income. The government should have its own industry, leisure program, restaurant, gallery or anything else to earn money. So that they don't have to rely on increased taxes to do necessary good work for society. People will also get relief from the non-increasing tax system.

Government earnings.

Governments rely heavily on taxes as a source of revenue, but it's essential to consider the impact on citizens. To ensure a diverse income stream, governments should explore alternative revenue sources such as building factories, export - import goods, restaurants, tourist attractions, and other services that cater to those who can afford them. This generates income for the government and allows them to reinvest in public services and infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.

By implementing this approach, numerous individuals will also be able to secure employment.

Government support

 Each country has a different policy to help the general people. Even each province or state has different policies too. Now the question is, how much these policies are available to the people.

Or we can ask, how many people actually know about these policies? The way they are published now, it seems, the government doesn't want you to know about these benefits. If anyhow you get to know about it, then you will be able to apply for it.

I think, government websites should have help or benefit sections, where these benefits will be mentioned clearly in categories. So, that whenever feel that you are in trouble, you can visit that page and find the right help for you.