Legacy of Indigenous Relations Under Mulroney: Achievements and Failures

Legacy of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney with Indigenous peoples in Canada is marked by contradictions: praised for positive initiatives but criticized for failures. Some achievements include creating a Royal Commission on Aboriginal peoples, recognizing Métis people, and negotiating the creation of Nunavut. Failures include the government's inability to deliver self-government during constitutional talks in the 1980s and the negative impact of the 1990 Oka Crisis. Mulroney made efforts towards Indigenous self-government after the 1982 Constitution Act, but talks in the 1980s and the Meech Lake Accord faced opposition from some provinces and Indigenous leaders. The Charlottetown Accord in 1991 included a clause affirming Indigenous Canadians had an "inherent right of self-government," and Mulroney's government recognized the Red River Métis and Louis Riel. Despite the failure of the Charlottetown Accord, Mulroney's efforts retained the affections of the Métis people. Mulroney's success in negotiating the creation of Nunavut is contrasted with the failure of handling the Oka Crisis in Quebec. The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples was established in 1991 under Mulroney's leadership, delivering a comprehensive report in 1996 calling for restructuring of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada. The commission's report addressed issues like residential schools and laid the groundwork for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, although actions based on its recommendations were not immediately taken. The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld the Trudeau government's Indigenous child welfare law, dismissing Quebec's appeal. The court sided with the Canadian government and concluded that the law is constitutionally valid and represents a significant step forward in reconciliation. The law, known as Bill C-92, affirms Indigenous nations' jurisdiction over child and family services and outlines national minimum standards of care. Quebec opposed the law, arguing that Ottawa overstepped its legislative authority and infringed upon provincial jurisdiction. The Supreme Court concluded that the federal government was within its jurisdiction and did not create a third level of government but rather recognized rights protected by the Aboriginal rights section of Canada's Constitution. The court also found that the law is part of Parliament's implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Quebec First Nations leaders praised the decision as historic and monumental. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the opinion deeply significant and positive. Indigenous leaders hope that the decision will lead to broader recognition of Indigenous autonomy in other areas through legislation. Overall, former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's legacy with Indigenous peoples in Canada showcases a mix of achievements and failures. While he made significant strides in recognizing Indigenous rights and autonomy, there were shortcomings in delivering on promises of self-government and addressing crises like the Oka Crisis. The recent Supreme Court decision on the Indigenous child welfare law represents a positive step towards advancing Indigenous rights and reconciliation in Canada.