The right to make our own mistakes.

The revitalization of aboriginal peoples in Canada manifests itself partly in the fresh view and renewed vigor brought to the long-time political struggle for survival as distinctive peoples. Three main fronts on which this struggle is currently taking place are surveyed: comprehensive land claims (those entailing native nations who have not previously treatied with the government); the definition of Aboriginal rights in the new Constitution; and Indian self-government. Five major public policy goal options are delineated, each with very different implications for these issues. These options are briefly ethically examined from a Christian perspective. Past and present government choices are criticized and a new policy direction advocated.