Indigenous peoples -- Canada, Indigenous peoples -- Canada -- Social conditions, Indigenous Peoples -- Canada -- Politics and Government, Indigenous self-government -- Canada, Indigenous peoples -- Canada -- Government relations, Urbanization -- Canada, Urbanization, Treaties, Indigenous peoples -- Education -- Canada 

James S. Frideres's illuminating assessment of First Nations peoples' resilience in the face of historical trauma in Canada is both sobering and inspiring. Opening with a concise account of key turning points in the relationship between First Nations populations and non-Aboriginal inhabitants of the region we now know as Canada, Frideres outlines how colonial domination, cultural change, and the Canadian government's attempts to "manage" First Nations people ultimately dispossessed them of their land and threatened their cultural survival. With this foundation in place, Frideres turns to examining in detail the extent to which First Nations people today continue to feel the consequences of these past assaults in a variety of realms — including health, education, economic development, culture, self-governance, criminal justice, and social equality — while also exploring how they have, through great strength and perseverance, sustained their cultural identities in spite of great obstacles. Although many challenges undoubtedly remain, greater recognition of the need to promote and protect Aboriginal rights in Canada has opened the door to new opportunities for reconciliation and progress — and in these new opportunities lies hope for a better future.

Covering the latest social research, demographic data, and policy developments, First Nations People in Canada is essential reading not only for students and scholars participating in Aboriginal studies but for all Canadians wanting to understand the full context of First Nations people in Canada." -- Back cover. 

xvii, 252 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm. 

Contents:
Identities --
Population profile of First Nations in the twenty-first century --
Indian Affairs/Aboriginal affairs and northern development Canada --
Economic growth and development --
Crime, justice, and victims --
The well-being of First Nations people --
Formal education : reading, writing, and assimilation --
Land, treaties, and claims --
The urbanization of First Nations people --
Aboriginal rights, self-government, and sovereignty.

Includes bibliographical references and index.