ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Indigenous self-government in Canada

Indigenous self-government in Canada means that the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people have the power to make their own decisions and oversee their own communities. This includes the ability to create their own laws, manage resources on their land, and be involved in discussions and decisions about things that affect them.

Before European settlers arrived in Canada, Indigenous people had their own systems of governance, but when settlers arrived, they imposed their own rules and laws on the Indigenous peoples. This caused massive harm and trauma to Indigenous communities across Canada.

In the 1970s, Indigenous peoples began to fight for the right to govern themselves, and in 1982, the Canadian Constitution recognized Indigenous rights to self-government. This meant that Indigenous communities had the right to make their own decisions about things like education, healthcare, and social services.

Indigenous self-government is important because it allows Indigenous peoples to have a say in decisions that impact their communities. They can create laws and policies that align with their own cultures and traditions, which can help preserve their way of life. This can also lead to greater control over resources on their lands, such as natural resources or wildlife.

Indigenous self-government is still relatively new in Canada, and many communities are still working through the challenges of building and implementing their own governance systems. But it's an important step towards creating a more just and equitable society for all Canadians.