A study of natural resource use by the Nehiyaw (Cree) First Nation

The traditional relationship - that Aboriginal peoples in Canada have had with their land and its resources - has changed significantly since the arrival of Europeans. During the 17th and 18th centuries, trade relations with the newcomers introduced to Aboriginal peoples: 1) capitalism; 2) the capitalist view toward land; 3) the exploitation of resources. The newly formed Canadian Government in the late 19th century with its Indian policy expedited the shift to a capitalist economy with the creation of Indian reserves. During the mid-20th century, First Nations began to view economic interests as a part of their own development agenda. Today, Aboriginal people have developed new systems of self-government and self-determination that have increased their participation within the economy at all levels. They have expanded their jurisdictions and have created modern economic opportunities that include the management of resources in areas such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, water and non-renewable resources as examples.