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Lesson 2A - Teacher Information

Prior to European contact Aboriginal People across Canada maintained their own traditional systems of governance, dispute resolution and decision-making. Structures varied from coast to coast and from patrilineal to matrilineal systems. Each nation developed systems that worked to serve their own unique needs. However, despite differences, there are still many commonalities. Most Aboriginal cultures retained a system of hereditary or elected chieftainship with methods to ensure that the Chief was putting the needs of the group before his own and not abusing his power. The people had a voice in the role of the Chief and could dispose of his power and choose a new leader as they felt fit. Occasionally, this led to more than one leader for each band.

An important aspect of all Aboriginal political systems was the concept of consensus building. It was often difficult for a Chief to retain power if he was not able to guide the group into making decisions based on consensus. Some bands, such as the Woods Cree, also recognized the roles of spiritual leaders and Elders in the decision-making processes and often their advice was given special attention. Sometimes successful hunters were recognized as community leaders.

The majority of Aboriginal groups who now reside permanently in Alberta were for the most part nomadic or semi-settled groups. In this type of social and economic structure, the main responsibility of the Chief was to guide meetings towards consensus, reduce group friction, manage trade with other groups, sponsor ceremonies, negotiate peace treaties and ensure the basic needs of the group were being met.

The onset of colonization slowly eradicated the power of Aboriginal People to recognize and choose their own leadership. When Aboriginal leaders were confronted with the signing of treaties, they were left with very little room to negotiate or to fully comprehend how the signing of a treaty would effect future generations. The federal government presented the treaties in a language that was foreign to Aboriginal People and often coerced leaders into signing by threatening their food rations or with the intent to take over their lands regardless of whether they signed. The decline of the buffalo and the onset of infectious diseases paralleled the government's desire to erase Aboriginal culture and worked in tandem to force Aboriginal leaders to sign treaties.

One of Canada's first policies was to gain control over the Aboriginal way of life. Traditional governance structures were targeted, control over education was rescinded, and Indian Agents were imposed to regulate government laws.

The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) was developed and it subsequently regulates the power of Chiefs and councillors so that basic decision making on reserves is in the hands of the federal government.

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