Justice for Canada's Aboriginal Peoples

Canada's political leaders tirelessly proclaim it the best country on earth in which to live, a land of plenty and of boundless opportunity for all. Canada's Aboriginal peoples view things differently: after decades of living in legislatively determined Third World conditions, many are demanding the tools with which to develop their communities and institutions on a sounder, saner basis.

In this award-winning book, human rights specialist Renée Dupuis takes a fresh look at the "wall of misunderstanding" that surrounds Aboriginal issues in Canada and proposes some new solutions. She recommends the overhaul of existing legislation, including the Indian Act; the creation of a political forum to facilitate discussion of objectives on a national level; the development of partnerships between educational institutions and Aboriginal leaders in order to serve communities better; the establishment of real Aboriginal governments with sound legal foundations.

Governments have traditionally dealt with Aboriginal issues by enshrining rights in the Charter and striking Royal Commissions. Renée Dupuis insists that new and urgent measures are needed now to bridge the profound chasm that has grown between Aboriginal people and the rest of the country. Justice for Canada's Aboriginal Peoples offers fresh ideas and approaches for building that bridge.