The historical development of Indian welfare policy in the prairies, 1940-1967

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to trace the historical development of the Department of Indian Affair's welfare policy for the on-reserve population. Specific attention is given to the years of 1940 to 1967 when, under the auspices of Indian Affairs Branch, a separate federally funded welfare system solely for status Indians living on-reserve was initiated and implemented. It is recognized, however, that several participating factors occurred before 1940 which forced the federal government into action. Therefore, a critical component of this investigation was to examine the factors that ultimately influenced the federal government's decision to implement a separate federally funded welfare system for the reserve Indian. The findings of this investigation provide a first step toward understanding the complexities behind the department's decision to implement a separate federal welfare system for the on-reserve Indian. The results are also of interest to contemporary issues. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)