Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief-- : dependency among the Maliseet and the impact of the Indian Act

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of the Indian Act and Department of Indian Affairs in the underdevelopment of the New Brunswick Maliseet communities of St. Mary's and Tobique. It encompasses various aspects of the social, economic, and political life of the communities, the impact of Department of Indian Affairs' policies, and the response of community band members. It gives particular attention to the administrative practices of officials from the Department, focusing specifically on their tendency to use clauses from the Act to the detriment of community development.

To address these issues a great deal of attention has been given to the files of the Department of Indian Affairs. These reveal a great deal about the policies and attitudes of officials in their interactions with band members. Also, correspondence from these files provide insights into the response of band members to unpopular programs and policies, and to particular problems being experienced in the communities. Interviews conducted by the author and other scholars have provided particularly rich insights into community life.

This thesis looks beyond the current state of dependency, and addresses the process of underdevelopment, and the role played by Government policy and legislation. It takes us beyond an abstract understanding of this situation, to the daily lives of the people who have been most effected by Government decision makers. It provides not only the effects of the above, but offers some insight into the frustration and anger expressed by a people who were powerless to fight the destructive influences being imposed on them.