Aboriginal reservation systems were a point of contention since before Canadian Confederation. The reserves were built poorly and have caused problem which have led to state of emergencies, tragedies so forth. Here are top 10 reasons why Aboriginals are better off living off reserves rather than on them.
1. Poor access to education:
Statistics in 2006 showed that Aboriginals living off reserves are getting better access to post-secondary education. For example 22% of Stoney First Nations residents have some post-secondary education. This number is lower than 43% of aboriginals who live in Calgary and have gone through the post-secondary system.
2. High Unemployment:
Unemployment rates are high on reserves, despite the fact that there is government equity and social justice initiative which gives them a voice. Whilst only 8.7% of Aboriginals are unemployed in Montreal, 16.8% are unemployed on the Kahnawake reserve.
3. Poor Housing:
In October of 2011, the government of Attawapiskat called a state of emergency as temperatures dropped. Yes, this could happen anywhere, but why are people still living in tents, trailers and temporary shelters? The answer lies in the rate of unemployment on reserve which is currently at 10% on average.
4. Income Levels are Down:
The median income on reserves is $29, 097. The national rate is $41, 994 in comparison to that. How many people would be able to afford living in a comfortable house and pay for food a household income of less than $30,000.
5. Poor arrangement:
Many Aboriginals were moved from the area they were living in before West expansion. With the need to industrialize, Canada and the United States equally relocated Aboriginals. This caused the former to lose their traditional lifestyles as well as their communities which allowed them to hunt and gather.
6. Poor financing:
Throughout history, Aboriginal reserves were poorly financed. The first visible example of this is the residential schools which the government forced Aboriginals to attend. Now with the Attawapiskat crisis, the government is kicking out the leaders and bringing in a third party.
7. Drinking Water:
In June of 2001, the auditor general of Canada found that more than half the drinking water on Canada’s First Nation reserves carries a significant risk to the people who use and live on them.
8. Poor planning:
We still face poor planning at the Federal level when it comes to the Native Americans. In order to improve the future, politicians need to undo the past in one productive way.
9. Mentality:
The mentality of the people and politicians is bleak. Many politicians and researchers regard the Aboriginals as the Fourth World.
10. Not equal:
Territories in Canada are not provinces. Yukon throughout the centuries has tried to convert to being a province. Federal government should give a push since they cannot handle all Aboriginal affairs.
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