Are modern treaties an effective way to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples? The information available today suggests they are.
In the relatively short period since the effective date of the first modern treaty in 1975, modern treaties have been linked to positive changes in socioeconomic outcomes. Community wellbeing data collected through the Canadian Census shows that between 1981 and 2016, outcomes for modern treaty First Nations and Inuit improved faster than for historical treaty First Nations or non-treaty First Nations. Studies by Aragón (2015) and Pendakur & Pendakur (2017) also show modern treaties are associated with increases in income.
However, data is limited at this time. Work is underway to explore the impacts of modern treaties on social wellbeing in greater detail.
Why the difference?
Why the difference in socioeconomic outcomes? While historical treaty First Nations are administered according to the Indian Act, often in circumstances that make it virtually impossible for communities to thrive, modern treaty agreements exist outside the Indian Act, often with large settlement areas and clearly defined rights to their traditional lands. Modern treaties are creating new opportunities through development corporations, cultural organizations, co-management of land, and other means.