pixi666

Here in Toronto, the Natives who don't live in reservations still experience those issues you've talked about. Poverty and crime among natives are not restricted to the reservations. It's a terrible thing really, and the government's response has been inadequate. They are the perhaps the most disadvantaged social class through no fault of their own, and yet so little is being done to help them.

Jake10

Well, I suppose there is crime and poverty everywhere, but I would think that in Toronto the opportunities are better. At least they have access to better schools, jobs and training, am I right?

Why are they the most disadvantaged social class, Pixi? It would seem to me that because they can speak the language, have tax exemptions and deep rooted communities, they would have advantages over say new immigrants.

Inflames

The reserves attract people mainly because thats where people's family are from. You often find people with uncles and aunts, grandparents, cousins ect on the reserve so they go and stay with them occasionally. They are communities that grow and occasionally thrive although they are very different from urban Canadian society which is not unlike American urban society.

Not all reserves are poverty stricken, some do have a fishing and or hunting branch to them as many do in the northern woods. Their people have been hunting and or fishing there for generations and with a treaty they can have enough range to support a good industry.

Although crime seems to be higher on the reserves than in other areas in Canada. I have talked with people who teach on the reserves and they are advised to just take all their stuff with them when they leave, as it is assumed their trailer is getting broken into anyway. Arson also seems to be committed on the reserves more and more these days.