IS-1017 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Indian Act, Terra Nullius, Constitution Act, 1982
11 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Federal definitions of self-government ignore pre-contact indigenous political independence. Native leaders claim an inherent right to self-government, rooted in. Political, economic, social, and cultural systems were common in hundreds to thousands of communities. Versatile political economies and complex social and cultural institutions developed. They were maintained by individual and community-based actions overseen and guided by local leaders. Codes of conduct and laws developed and were taught to children. Balance was an important goal that led most people to place the community over self-interest. Leaders were chosen for particular tasks based on their experience. Once accepted, that person"s primary duty was to establish and maintain good relations (balance) Individuals were not permitted to make decisions on behalf of the entire community (consensus) Individuals who were unhappy were free to leave and establish their own community: band council. Hereditary councils and their variations had always guided indigenous political processes. Allowed officials to remove elected leaders for "dishonesty, intemperance or immorality"
