Who has major responsibilities on First Nations reserves, such as housing and schools?
- Band chiefs and councillors
- Lieutenant Governors
- Municipal mayors
- The RCMP
Answer: Band chiefs and councillors
On First Nations reserves, band chiefs and councillors hold major responsibilities, including housing, schools and other services. Mayors run municipalities, not reserves. Aboriginal organizations also speak for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people with all levels of government.
Learn more: Aboriginal origins and rights
- The ancestors of Aboriginal peoples are believed to have migrated from Asia many thousands of years ago.
- Aboriginal and treaty rights are in the Canadian Constitution.
- Territorial rights were first guaranteed through the Royal Proclamation of 1763 by King George III.
- The Royal Proclamation set the basis for negotiating treaties with the newcomers. These treaties were not always fully respected.
- On First Nations reserves, band chiefs and councillors have major responsibilities, including housing, schools and other services.
- Provincial, regional and national Aboriginal organizations speak for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people with federal, provincial and territorial governments.
- Today Aboriginal peoples enjoy renewed pride and confidence, with significant achievements in agriculture, the environment, business and the arts.