What is Self Government?

Self Government is Aboriginal Government passing and making decisions on matters:

• Internal to their Communities
• Integral to their unique culture, traditions and language
• Connected to their special relationship to the land and resources.

Self Government is designed to establish a future which will see Aboriginal people in control of their destiny. The aim is to restore legitimate and accountable Aboriginal governments, and a sense of ownership and responsibility of what happens in their community.
Self Government fosters the type of participation, service delivery and self–reliance enjoyed by other Non–Aboriginal communities. It creates the foundation for a renewed relationship and an improved quality of life for Aboriginal people. This, in turn, attracts economic development and builds self–sufficiency.

What is the Idea Behind Self Government?

Aboriginal peoples were the first inhabitants of Canada. Before the arrival of the Europeans, First Nation people developed governments that represented our culture, spiritual beliefs, and the economic, social and geographic circumstances that surrounded us.

The arrival of the Europeans brought the establishment of colonial government and treaties. Following this, governments introduced laws and policies designed to assimilate our people into non–aboriginal societies.

Aboriginal people have never accepted assimilation, in fact, our culture, traditions and language remained an very important aspect of our every day life.

It is only within the last couple of decades that governments have recognized that current policies have failed our people and have recognized the need to renew and foster relationships with First Nations.

The Canadian Government now believes that Aboriginal people have the right to govern ourselves. Self Government will provide First Nation communities with tools needed to make positive differences in the lives of our people and enables us to exercise greater control over our lives.

Miawpukek First Nations is negotiating areas where we wish to develop arrangements more suitable to our needs, culture and values. They include health care, child welfare, education, housing, ecomonic development, naturall resources, public works and so forth.