24 Sep Why privatization of reserve lands risks aboriginal ruin (The Lawyers Weekly)
The federal government is exploring a voluntary regime of private ownership of reserve lands in Canada. This is an idea that is premature and short-sighted.
Advocates of this proposal say that the current communal stewardship of traditional lands by First Nations stifles development and stunts financial opportunities for individuals. By permitting private ownership, individuals would have the opportunity, among other things, to mortgage and sell lands.
In other words, what “they” want is for Canada’s indigenous peoples who live on reserves to be beholden to outside financial interests. …Go to article.