CATHERINE BELL and WILLIAM B. HENDERSON Revised: WILLIAM B. HENDERSON
Canadian Encyclopedia
01-01-2002
Aboriginal Rights
Author: CATHERINE BELL and WILLIAM B. HENDERSON Revised: WILLIAM B. HENDERSON
Although generalizations about aboriginal definitions of aboriginal rights are difficult because of the diversity of aboriginal cultures, it can be said that most aboriginal peoples define aboriginal rights as inherent, collective rights which flow from their original occupation of the land which is now Canada and pre-contact social orders. For many the concept can be summed up as the right of independence through self-determination in respect of governance, land, resources and ...