Books, Big Ideas, Q&As

Self-government aligns with sovereignty

There has been no attempt through the negotiated self-government agreements to remove self-governing nations from a sovereign Canada. Self-government is about Indigenous Nations having more control over their lives and livelihoods, not about separating from Canada.

In his book, Bob Joseph writes, 'Ironically, the Indian Act, which was supposed to make Indians a part of the cultural mainstream of Canada, created the opposite situation. It separated Indigenous Peoples and kept them living on separate lands and under separate laws. This is the great paradox of the Indian Act.'Photograph courtesy of Indigenous Relations Press and Page Two

Feature

BY BOB JOSEPH

May 11, 2026

The following is an excerpt from 21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government: A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act, by Bob Joseph and published by Page Two. The book is a finalist for the 2025 Donner Prize for the best public polic...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Podcast Newsletter

The Hot Room podcastâ€™s latest episodeâ€”featuring the people shaping politics and policy inside the bubbleâ€”in your inbox.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy