Julie Cunningham

Contemporary Aboriginal Peoples- State Treaty Negotiations: the Case of Innus- Québec Government Treaty Negotiations Julie Cunningham

Opinions regarding the effects of contemporary State- Aboriginal peoples treaties vary. Some think it enables a new relationship between the signatory parties while others consider it only helps the State to exert its domination over Aboriginal peoples in a more legitimate fashion. This book aims to examine the adequacy of both perspectives by analyzing the content of the Agreement in principle of general nature between the First Nations of Mamuitun mak Nutashkuan and the governments of Québec and Canada. Following a short review of the literature on the topic, the broader relationship between the Québec government and Aboriginal peoples over the last 40 years will be portrayed to gain a better understanding of the context surrounding these negotiations. Then, the content of the agreement in terms of aboriginal autonomy will be highlighted as well as the perspectives of the parties regarding its potential to transform the nature of the relationship between Innus and the Québec government/society. By doing so, it is hoped to provide an alternative standpoint in the debate regarding the value of contemporary State-Aboriginal treaties.