Indigenous Life In Canada: Past, Present, Future: Development Of The Reserve System [Simon Rose & Kathleen Corrigan]

Designed for elementary students from grades 4 to 7, these books offer an introduction to Indigenous life in Canada in the past, present and future. The content consultant for Development of the Reserve System is Dennis McPherson, band member of Couchiching First Nation and Associate Professor of Indigenous Learning, Lakehead University.

Over six chapters the reserve system is discussed as follows:

Chapter 1 describes 'Life on the Rez', how life varies on reserves, numbers of people who live there, location, and includes examples.

Chapter 2 considers life before the reserve system. Government, traditions, community, the clan system, treaties, British Crown relations and the Indian Act of 1876 are included in this chapter.

Chapter 3, The Treaties, discusses the signed Numbered Treaties and peoples with whom the government made these treaties. Details of the Treaties and rights are included until the Constitution Act of 1982.

Chapter 4 is about the Reserve System and the laws and regulations for Indigenous Peoples from 1876 when the Indian Act was introduced setting land aside for Indigenous peoples and not always on traditional lands of spiritual and cultural significance. Self-government and the system of hereditary and elected chiefs is discussed in this chapter.

Chapter 5 is about the Government of Canada and First Nations Peoples.

Chapter 6 is about the Future discussing open and honourable negotiations between First Nations and others in Canada.  

This book contains simply written text illustrated with maps, charts, images and photos. Each book has brief sidebars of additional information about a topic as well as suggested framing questions to assist students in critical thinking. Includes an index, information about the author, additional resources and a glossary.