'Enough to Keep Them Alive'

This book offers a critical examination of social assistance policies affecting First Nations in Canada, highlighting their historical roots and ongoing implications.

The book Enough to Keep Them Alive delves into the intricate history of social assistance policies on Indian reserves in Canada, tracing their evolution from confederation to the present day. It reveals a consistent policy trajectory that has roots in the practices of fur trading companies prior to confederation. Rather than serving as a means of progress or humanitarian aid, these welfare policies were strategically employed to oppress First Nations peoples, marginalizing them and promoting their assimilation into the dominant culture.

Through extensive archival research from the Indian Affairs record group at the National Archives of Canada, the author provides a comprehensive examination of these policies. The narrative is enriched by interviews with key federal figures from the post-World War Two era, offering valuable insights into the motivations behind these policies. Enough to Keep Them Alive is more than just a historical account; it presents a critical analysis grounded in colonial and post-colonial theory, social theory, and critiques of liberalism, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the implications of these policies.

The meticulous research undertaken in Enough to Keep Them Alive culminates in a compelling and coherent analysis of Aboriginal welfare history. It serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in the ongoing challenges faced by First Nations communities, the development of policies concerning Aboriginal peoples, or the historical context of Aboriginal-newcomer relations in Canada. This book is a crucial read for those seeking to understand the entrenched colonial legacy that continues to impact Aboriginal communities today.