Question

Why are the aboriginal peoples of Canada working towards self-government?

A) To gain more political power
B) To preserve cultural heritage
C) To access economic resources
D) To increase military autonomy

Answer 1

Aboriginal peoples in Canada seek self-government to preserve cultural heritage, control over their lands and resources, and enforce their own laws, which is a right supported by the Canadian Constitution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The aboriginal peoples of Canada are working towards self-government primarily to preserve their cultural heritage and to attain greater control over their land and resources. This move is also a means to administer their own laws and practices that significantly affect their lives.

Historically, Indigenous groups have argued that they possess an inherent right to self-government as they were the first to govern the region that is now Canada and did not surrender their autonomy willingly to European settlers. This assertion is backed by the Canadian Constitution and was recognized by the federal government in 1995.

While some Métis Nations achieved a self-governance agreement with the Canadian government in 2019, full political participation is not possible for many Indigenous peoples without self-government. Self-government is a way for Indigenous people to increase their participation in government, protect their communal landholdings, and exercise the rights they believe they are entitled to.