The Dynamics of Native Politics

The author defines various Aboriginal groups in Canada, and examines the genesis of the organizations that represent them. He examines how these organizations fit within the context of the larger society; how they set their political agendas; how government funding and internal politics affect them; and how these structures affect the ability of such organizations to represent Aboriginal peoples.

A socio-cultural examination of the political organizations that advocate for Aboriginal rights in government policy and the rationale behind them.

Historically, Aboriginal people have had little influence on the development of Native policy from within government; as a result political organizations have been established to lobby government on Native peoples’ issues. Using his experience as director of land claims for the Métis Association of Alberta, Joe Sawchuk explains how these Aboriginal organizations began, how they set their political agendas, and how they are influenced by government funding and internal politics. The record of Native political organizations in Canada has been impressive, yet questions remain if government agendas blunts their effectiveness, and how decreases in funding might affect them in the future.