Colonization and Community: Implications for First Nations Development [Community Development Journal, CDJ]

"First Nations' communities have been a major focus for the long history of colonial action in Canada. The results have been disastrous for Native cultural, identity and pride. Four major community institutions – political, economic, religious and educational and the family – have been devastated. This has robbed Aboriginal Nations of their identity and their sense that they have the ability effectively to manage their environments and has contributed significantly to their disadvantaged position within Canada.If community development is to be utilized in First Nations communities, four objectives must be addressed: (1) strengthening community traditions and culture; (2) development of culturally appropriate community-based organizations; (3) reflection on the importance of land for local communities; (4) the forging of links between local and national issues."