Beyond the Indian Act: Restoring Aboriginal Property Rights

Description

The authors not only investigate the current forms of property rights on reservations but also expose the limitations of each system| showing that customary rights are insecure| certificates of possession cannot be sold outside the First Nation| and leases are temporary. As well| analysis of legislation| court decisions| and economic reports reveals that current land management has led to unnecessary economic losses. The authors propose creation of a First Nations Property Ownership Act that would make it possible for First Nations to take over full ownership of reserve lands from the Crown| arguing that permitting private property on reserves would provide increased economic advantages. An engaging and well-reasoned book| Beyond the Indian Act is a bold argument for a new system that could improve the quality of life for First Nations people in communities across the country.