This collection of papers focuses on Canadian Native history since 1763 and presents an overview of official Canadian Indian policy and its effects on the Indian, Inuit, and Metis. Issues and themes covered include colonial Indian policy, constitutional developments, Indian treaties and policy, government decision-making and Native responses reflecting both persistence and change, and the broad issue of aboriginal and treaty rights.

"Without question, the new reader by Getty and Lussier provides the best selection of historical articles on Canada’s Native peoples ever to appear ... It should be required reading for all attending future constitutional conferences on aboriginal rights. Ian Getty and Antoine Lussier have contributed to a new appreciation of Canada’s native people." - NeWest Review