The relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada has long been troubled and recently has shown signs of slipping into more serious trouble. The relationship can most certainly be mended - indeed, turned from a problem into an asset and one of the country's greatest strengths.
The direction change must take is toward freeing Aboriginal people from domination by and dependence on the institutions and resources of governments. The end of dependence is something Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike profoundly desire. It would be quite unacceptable for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to continue to find their autonomy restricted and constrained in the twenty-first century.
Yet renewal of the relationship must be done with justice and generosity. History and human decency demand restoration of fair measures of land, resources and power to Aboriginal peoples. On those foundations, self-respect and self-reliance will grow steadily firmer in Aboriginal communities. In their absence, anger and despair will grow steadily deeper - with conflict the likely result.
What we propose is fundamental, sweeping and perhaps disturbing – but also exciting, liberating, ripe with possibilities.
Aboriginal people must be enabled to function once again as nations. This is a new way of thinking about old and persistent problems. For many years, the watch-word for the progress of Aboriginal people was 'self-government'. But this is only one piece of a larger undertaking - the restoration of nations, not as they were, but as they can be today. Land and economic vitality are essential for successful, hard-working governments. Whole, healthy, hopeful people are more vital still.
The Commission proposes a 20-year agenda for change, encompassing these things and more. In just 20 years, the revitalization of many self-reliant Aboriginal nations can be accomplished, and the staggering human and financial cost of supporting communities unable to manage for themselves will end. From that time forward, the return to the country will continue to grow.
That so much is possible in so short a time is good news for Canadians.
The changes we propose are not modest. We do not suggest tinkering with the Indian Act or launching shiny new programs. What we propose is fundamental, sweeping and perhaps disturbing - but also exciting, liberating, ripe with possibilities.
Nor do we propose a set of lock-step directives. We offer a vision of what is possible and lots of ideas about how to get started. The agenda for change can begin today, and there are many starting places for it. Indeed, it is already getting started, as good ideas take shape and gather momentum in Aboriginal communities from coast to coast to coast.
Yet change must take place at a pace that allows Aboriginal people and nations to work through the pains of rebirth and in a way that encourages non-Aboriginal people to participate in it. Transition is something we must do together.
All of us have a part in securing the new relationship - people and governments, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, organizations big and small. We have 20 years of building and experimentation to look forward to - using, for the first time in many decades, all the energies of Aboriginal people as they create and live the dream of a Canada that they can share with others and yet be fully at home.
During that time
- and beyond it - we can look forward to a Canada that celebrates Aboriginal
heritage and draws strength from Aboriginal peoples as full partners in
a renewed federation.
To purchase the Commission's five-volume report, contact your local bookseller or
Canada Communication
Group - Publishing
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0S9
A cd-rom, containing the report, transcripts of the Commission's public hearings, reports and commentaries published during the Commission's mandate, and research studies, will also be available through the Canada Communication Group - Publishing at this address.
Inside covers: Mireille Siouï, "Dans la maison d'Handiaouich, la petite tortue", intaglio, watercolour on paper, 50 x 32.5 centimetres.
Page xii: Joane Cardinal-Schubert, rca, "Moonstruck I", acrylic on paper, 64.5 x 54 centimetres, framed.
Page 22: Roger Simon, "Raven Woman", oil on diamat paper, 66.5 x 56.5 centimetres, framed.
Page 58: Jim Logan, "The Visit", 1987, acrylic on canvas, 72 x 48 centimetres.
Page 98: Jane Ash-Poitras, "Buffalo Hierophany", 1992, mixed media, 105.5 cm x 75.5 cm, framed.
Page 124: Elsie (Klengenberg) Anaginak, "Granny Teaches Grandchildren", 1992, stencil print on Arches paper, 56 x 43 centimetres.
Page 146: Bob Boyer, "Mother Earth's June Berry Soup", oil and acrylic on flannel, 240.5 x 97.5 x 9 centimetres.
All, collection of the Indian Art Centre, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Photographer, Lawrence Cook.
Photography: Fred Cattroll, except for
Makivik Corporation, front cover, 3rd from left, and pages 15, 35, 56, 73, 113, 115, 132, 149
Illustrations: Children of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta
Design: Miriam Bloom
Production: Donna Bates