Aboriginal Capacity Building

This collection of articles appears at an opportune time when issues of development in northern Quebec and Labrador again capture public attention. Twenty-three contributors, each knowledgeable about some aspects of recent developments in this region, deal with issues confronting northern Aboriginal people. The writers include anthropologists, academics from other disciplines, and Aboriginals. Although not primarily a historical work, the book reveals that for several decades the ambitions of provincial and federal governments have clashed with the aspirations of the region’s Aboriginal population. Hydro developments, infrastructure projects, mining, forestry, tourism,and military exercises have shattered the North’s former isolation. While national and international news reporters covered many of the issues that resulted, observers often received the false impression that governments met the concerns of the area’s original inhabitants. The authors leave no doubt that much remains unresolved in this northern region. While various agreements govern development, Aboriginal people feel that they have not received the promised or expected benefits. Social and medical problems have also plagued northern communities. Recently confrontation has characterized the relationship between powerful colonial governments and the once powerless northern people. Aboriginals have learned new methods of registering theirdisagreement with government actions. Yet, the various articles demonstrate that resistance often fails to bring the desired results.Consistently and strongly, this book’s authors rally to support the region’s people in their battles. None attempts to defend the actions of government and industry. Although writing styles vary greatly, ranging from traditional to postmodern, the concise, well-chosen contributions maintain the reader’s interest. Some articles focus on specific regional issues,while others include a helpful larger perspective. Collectively, they make a significant contribution to our understanding of the issues affecting the contemporary North.