Isn negotiating treaties on the basis of race a form of racism?
British Columbia is not negotiating treaties on the basis of race. Treaties are being negotiated to define constitutionally protected Aboriginal rights. Treaties are not race-based; they are fulfilling legal obligations. Aboriginal people are treated differently because of the Constitution and common law. The application of Canadian laws, particularly the federal Indian Act, has created a legacy of distrust and despair. In short, First Nation communities are disenfranchised from the rest of Canadian society because of these laws. Treaties will provide First Nations with the authority to manage their affairs and become less reliant on government transfers. Treaties will also help address outstanding economic and social injustices, which exist because Aboriginal people have been treated differently in our society since colonization. Why can’t the issues be resolved by simple lump-sum cash payments? Resolving the issues with lump-sum cash payments would not be practical. The Constitution
