Gnu, There are relatively few native peoples in Atlantic Canada, compared to the rest of Canada. And, fortunately they do not live in remote communities, like in the rest of Canada. Also, while there was discrimination, Atlantic Canada's native community never saw discrimination anywhere like many other parts of Canada, like Q states.

That is why conditions that you see, are very much different from other parts of Canada, where some live in third world conditions. But, do not be fooled into thinking what you see is reflective of other areas of Canada.

I have travelled to most communities in Atlantic Canada. Thanks to EI (plenty of it to go around, with little work), and other social programs, most people don't have it too bad, except if they choose different, or are impacted by substance abuse.

Atlantic Canadians should be proud that it's native communities lare not like the poor conditions in other areas, rather than what you seem to puting forward.

Yes, native Canadians have communal fishing rights, special fishing and hunting rights and quotas, and unique tax breaks. The reason for most of that is Britain signed agreements to provide special access to resources. They did so to avoid conflicts with a significant military force at that time.

Canada tried for years to ignore these valid treaties Eventually, many were deemed valid by the highest courts in Canada. Because the native communities were denied these rights (and access to resources) for hundreds of years by Canada, Canada's Supreme court ordered the government to assist these communities to establish their rightful place in resource industries the valid treaties promised (native rights are mostly seen as communal, not individual).

The Canadian government was "ordered" to purchase these communities fishing boats and gear and forestry gear, and to train those in the community to use it. These treaties do give them special access to these resources. They have a first "right" after conservation requirements. After this, comes the "privlidge" to fish, hunt and access to common resources given to other Canadian citizens by the government. So, native communities have a "right" to access to resources, other Canadians have a "privilidge", that is governed by government, for the people of Canada.

As a law abiding country, Canada cannot select to honor legally valid commitments people like and ignore those they don't like. You may not like it. But, the treaties are valid and that is Canadian law, end of story. It is best to get over it and move on.