• Foundational Objectives for Unit 5

This unit deals with the social development of Aboriginal peoples in Canada today. There are a number of key issues that need to be dealt with such as, health care, child welfare, justice and education. These issues need to be dealt with by First Nations people and the government of Canada.

The numbers of Aboriginal peoples involved with the justice system is clearly dispaportionate to the number of First Nations people in Canada. Traditional concepts of Aboriginal justice are being looked at to reduce the number of repeat offenders. Communities are using traditional healing; sentencing circles, community service sentences as well as traditional courts conducted in Cree or other First Nations languages.

Education is a very important topic to Aboriginal people. Education of the young in any society is top priority. Education in the First Nations community has become a governance issue, one in which Bands and Tribal Councils are now in control of the type of education systems administered to Aboriginal students. In Saskatchewan Aboriginal content is introduced at all grade levels for those nonnative students attending Provincial run schools.

Post Secondary institutions have also been started by First Nations. These institutions are either affiliated with or separate from universities and technical institutions.
Child Welfare has also become a Band or Tribal Council administered issue. The affects of poverty and the removal of Aboriginal children from their homes and communities has been a contentious issue.

The health of Aboriginal people has become a very important issue to all Canadians. The very high incidence of diabetes, heart disease and suicide are of great concern. The concept of wellness and traditional healing, and different health delivery methods are all being looked at to try and solve these health issues.

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