The 1992 Charlottetown Accord attempted to constitutionalize the inherent Aboriginal right of self-government. The Accord was the result of a long series of public consultations and intense political negotiations which resulted in a document that was rejected by a majority of Canadians. The Aboriginal government provisions of the 1992 Charlottetown Accord do not represent the majority of essential elements for Aboriginal peoples to recognize and implement the inherent right of self-government. However, the Accord represents a major change in thinking for the federal and provincial governments in Canada in that the inherent right was recognized. As well, many of the principles contained in the Accord provide a bench mark for future constitutional discussions regarding self- government. Aboriginal governments must be given a substantive legislative and fiscal base if self-government is to be realized. The Accord failed to meet these fundamental needs.

<p>The purpose of this thesis is to develop a framework for the discussion of Aboriginal women's oppression, one which will reflect Indigenous women's perspectives. It is suggested here that feminism often assumes that all women, cross-culturally, share the same oppression and that this assumption may be false.</p> <p>The writer believes that the Indigenous "Circle of Life" philosophy more appropriately embodies Aboriginal women's conceptions of human nature, their political philosophy, and their strategy for social change and liberation.</p>

This thesis is an examination of the place of restorative justice in the practice of criminal law in Canada generally and in Saskatchewan in particular. It takes as its focal point the fundamental tension between traditional Anglo-Canadian Law in this area, and the newly founded practices of restorative justice.<p> This project accepts that retribution, vengeance and proportional justice are important components of current practice. It argues that these imperatives find their place not only in practice, but also in justice system structure. This space is made both culturally and legislatively. Earlier societies are examined to develop a sense of the connection between societal norms and punitive paradigms, and an argument is made that Canada is no different from earlier societies in the way its legal values reflect the social values of the dominant settler culture. Into this analysis is then added reflections concerning the effect of colonialism on aboriginal people generally and on Canada in particular.<p> The thesis then goes on to situate this tension specifically in current criminal justice by analysing legislation, policy, courts and practice. It examines restorative justice, and demonstrates that it has significant potential to ameliorate the deleterious effects of the colonial project on aboriginal peoples. However, it remains a marginalised practice precisely because it is an anti-colonial force in a powerful colonial justice structure. It concludes that the forces that have the inclination to change this situation have not acted to do so, and the justice system actors with the power to effect change have proven themselves to be similarly disinclined.<p>

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in Aboriginal populations. Studies are lacking to evaluate incidence of tuberculosis across residence status. The incidence of tuberculosis in Saskatchewans Aboriginal population was investigated to determine whether differences existed between off- and on-reserve groups. A retrospective cohort study was performed, using data from the Saskatchewan Tuberculosis Control Program database of on and off reserve residents diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis between January 1, 1986, and December 31, 2005. Age, sex and residence-specific incidence rates were calculated with the use of Census populations for 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2001. Multivariate analysis using poisson regression was completed.<p>There were 1750 cases during the study period; 710 occurred off reserve and 1040 on reserve. 1337 cases were diagnosed in Registered Aboriginals, with the remaining 413 in the non-registered population. The mean age of Aboriginal cases on reserve was 12.92 and 19.98 for off reserve cases. Females were more likely to have tuberculosis on reserve, while males were more likely off reserve. Overall, TB rates both on and off reserve decreased over the study period. The on reserve population maintains greater rates of tuberculosis compared to their off reserve counterparts, after adjustment for age.<p>Although there is a natural history to infectious disease epidemics such as tuberculosis, it should be a higher priority of government policies and services to further decrease rates. The collection of more accurate population statistics would allow for more in-depth surveillance of TB in Saskatchewan and would contribute to knowledge about how and where to best allocate future resources.

Treaty 7 First Nations, who have occupied the South Saskatchewan River Basin since time immemorial, have water rights protected by s.35 of the Constitution, Treaty 7, and the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement, 1930. This thesis suggests that Alberta has devised a legal regime that circumvents the treaty relationship between the Crown and Treaty 7 First Nations. Section 52 of the Constitution and the principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law require that Crown legislation and action must be consistent with the Constitution. Because Aboriginal and treaty rights are protected under s.35(1) of the Constitution, Albertas consultation guidelines must address the protection of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights. This thesis examines whether the treaty or any subsequent Crown legislation or Crown action has extinguished the Aboriginal and treaty rights of Treaty 7 First Nations and draws the conclusion that the Aboriginal rights of Treaty 7 First Nations not only continue to exist, but are afforded additional protection by Treaty 7 and the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement. This leads to the conclusion that Albertas consultation policy fails to recognize and affirm Aboriginal and treaty rights in their entirety as they currently exist. To the extent that Albertas Aboriginal consultation policies and regulations are inconsistent with s.35(1) they are null and void.

This dissertation arose out of my long term involvement with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan, first as a volunteer and then as a Board member. As a volunteer I began to notice a chronic overrepresentation of Aboriginal women in Canadas federal justice system both historically and currently, particularly at the higher security levels. As a Board member I also began to notice that Aboriginal womens voices were not being heard in the context within which they were speaking. Rather, the womens voices were taken out of context, and used to their detriment. Aboriginal women were seen to be the sole architects of their misfortunes. Excluded from any consideration were the colonized social spaces in which they found themselves.<p> Using a critical ethnographical approach, this study aims to understand federally sentenced Aboriginal women=s life experiences from their perspective. In doing so, not only is new knowledge created but also the womens choices are understood in the context within which they were made. Through their life experiences, this study investigates how living in marginalised social spaces circumscribes the choices available to these women and ultimately structures their identities. Their stories reflect the pressures brought to bear on their lives, which are bound up in race, gender and class oppression. We can then begin to understand the implications of life at the margins for not only federally sentenced Aboriginal womens identities but also for how they fare in Canada=s federal justice system.<p> Through the voices of the women, this study demonstrated that the societal framework within which Aboriginal women live in Canada does indeed carry assumptions about gender, race and class, and which set these women in marginalised social spaces. The voices of these women also indicated that these oppressive social spaces extended behind the walls of the prison and worked to their detriment. Their time inside of prison, for the most part, did little to widen their constellation of choices. Indeed, their time inside was shown to have the potential of further entrenching their marginalization which has the potential of following these women in perpetuity. Such a situation has grave consequences, not only for the womens future functioning on the outside, but also for the future functioning of the community-at-large.<p> Their stories, their definitions of risk, their perceptions of public order and incarceration, in their own words (as subjects) then, help us to more fully understand the events and social circumstances that led them to the situations in which they currently find themselves. This has important public policy implications in terms of resource allocation and service delivery for their healing and (re)integration into communities, not back into prisons.

This study analyzes the news texts of Typhoon Morakot, applying news discourse analysis and post-colonial concepts to discuss the specific types of aboriginal representation in the media, and the media also shape some specific discourse for aboriginal people. After analyzing the news texts, it shows that mainstream media represent aboriginal as the negative other, while alternative media represent them as the subjects who can acclaim their own rights. These two different discourses imply that there are some complex power relations behind the news texts, the mainstream media reinforce the power from central government and the charity organization. They build a strong and powerful discourse to rationalize their dominance over aboriginals, which excludes aboriginals¡¦ opinions from the public policy. However, this study also shows there is an alternative direction of power; alternative media try to subvert the mainstream discourse. They point out the central government is the trouble maker, aboriginals shouldn¡¦t be scapegoats. Hence, we can find that aboriginals are on the way to establish their own subjects.

Mudrooroo has been influenced both by Henry Louis Gates' notions of signifying, as well as by those of Roland Barthes. For Aboriginal Australians, the Dreaming Ancestors marked the world with signs that they could read. The central character in the novel, Jangamuttuk, receives the European as his "dreaming" and his totemic ancestor. He (and Mudrooroo) therefore understand and can use and combat the power of this Ghost.

It has been argued that contemporary Euro-Canadian teaching practices conflict with traditional Aboriginal teaching practices resulting in the current widespread lack of academic achievement for many Aboriginal students. Of particular concern is the area of print literacy, as achievement in this area has been linked to academic success. This is an area where Aboriginal students in British Columbia score well below their non-Aboriginal counterparts on tests such as the Foundation Skills Assessment. By reviewing traditional Aboriginal ways of transmitting knowledge, it is possible to understand the reason why contemporary Euro-Canadian teaching practices may be inappropriate for Aboriginal students. Drawing on Delpit’s ‘codes of power’ and educational interpretations of Bakhtin’s literary theory, I explore the notion that it is possible for Aboriginal students to be academically successful within the Euro-Canadian system while retaining their traditional Aboriginal identity and ways of knowing. Findings from this exploratory case study, which occurred at a secondary school in a remote Aboriginal community in northern British Columbia, are shared. Interviews with six Aboriginal adolescent students and three non-Aboriginal teachers, as well as personal reflections are also considered. By reexamining the assumptions and beliefs about contemporary Euro-Canadian teaching practices and seeking to learn more about traditional Aboriginal teaching practices, it is anticipated that educators can integrate the strengths of both approaches into their teaching. It is believed that this will enhance success for Aboriginal students in both Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian contexts.

Objectives: To assess the intake of milk and alternatives, calcium, and vitamin D in on-reserve First Nations youth in Ontario, Canada; and the relationship of these nutrients to body mass index. To assess the impact of a simple food provision program on the intakes of milk and alternatives among First Nations youth in Kashechewan First Nation and Attawapiskat First Nation, Ontario, Canada. To assess the process of implementing a comprehensive school nutrition education program, as well as its effects on the intake of milk and alternatives, as well as knowledge, intentions, and self-efficacy among First Nations youth in Fort Albany First Nation, Ontario. Methods: Twenty-four hour diet recall data collected by web-based survey between November 2003 and June 2010 (including pre- and post-program) were used to assess intakes. Milk and alternatives, calcium, and vitamin D intakes were described and compared to food and nutrition standards and to intakes in the general population (CCHS cycle 2.2), and related to BMI. Data collected in different years for the same community and season were used to assess yearly effects on milk and alternatives intake (four communities). Data collected in the same year and season but from different communities were used to assess latitudinal effects on milk and alternatives intake (four community pairs). Paired change in intakes was evaluated one week-post snack program implementation in Kashechewan and Attawapiskat, as well as one year post-program in Kashechewan. Change in intakes as well as knowledge, self-efficacy, and intentions were evaluated in Fort Albany after the completion of a comprehensive school-based program. Student (grades 6-8), teacher (from grades K-8), and parent impressions were collected via questionnaires and focus groups. Results: Mean intakes of milk and alternatives, calcium, and vitamin D were below recommendations and levels seen in the general population. No relationship between body mass index and milk and alternatives, calcium, or vitamin D intake was detected. Latitudinal and yearly variation in intakes was detected in the communities under study. Pilot school food provision programs improved intakes in the short-term under close to ideal circumstances, including adequate dedicated personnel and resource support. After one week, calcium intake increased in Kashechewan (p=0.044), while milk and alternatives (p=0.034) and vitamin D (p=0.022) intakes increased in Attawapiskat. Multiple logistical barriers meant that these improvements were not sustained in the long-term. A comprehensive program in Fort Albany was successful in increasing knowledge (p=0.050) and intentions (p=0.010) towards milk and alternatives intake. Students were generally grateful for the snack programs, and especially enjoyed the hands-on lessons in Fort Albany. Teachers in Kashechewan thought that the snack program was very valuable for students and helped with their alertness and attentiveness. In Fort Albany, teachers noted that it was helpful to have an outside person who could devote all of their time to teaching the students about nutrition; they thought that the students gained a whole new perspective about nutrition via the program. Parents in Fort Albany were enthusiastic about the school nutrition program, but noted availability and cost as major barriers to healthy eating. Conclusions: The low milk and alternatives, calcium, and vitamin D intakes seen in the study population parallel results seen in studies of other Canadian Aboriginal populations. Further study is needed to clarify the relationship between milk & alternatives intake and BMI in this population. Latitudinal and yearly variations in intake were identified, and therefore should be accounted for when tailoring interventions to specific First Nations; the needs, opportunities, and barriers in each case may differ significantly. This study demonstrated that school food provision programs were valued by students, parents, and teachers; and were efficacious in improving short-term intakes. Comprehensive programs were shown to improve student knowledge and intentions to make healthy food choices. In order to support long-term effectiveness, the barriers identified through this research, including the need for adequate and sustainable resources, must be addressed.