Political Science 311: Aboriginal Politics and Governments introduces and critically examines the issues listed below.

  1. Aboriginal governing traditions, particularly the cultural and ideological foundation for Aboriginal governments, and the continuing importance of Aboriginal governing traditions in a modern context.
  2. The evolution of Aboriginal governing traditions following the arrival of Europeans in what is now known as Canada, including the impact of the Indian Act and the imposition of other processes of assimilation.
  3. The diversity of Aboriginal governing structures, and the challenges that must be addressed in establishing governing systems.
  4. The specific concerns of Aboriginal women and of Aboriginal people living in urban areas.
  5. The relations between Aboriginal governments and the Canadian government, including arrangements for service and program delivery, and fiscal relations.
  6. Aboriginal rights, the treaty-making tradition in Canada, the relationship between treaties and land claim agreements, and their importance to Aboriginal politics and governments.