The Indian Act is actually a study in contradictions. Its purpose was to assimilate, but in practice it segregated and marginalized Aboriginal Peoples; restricted their ability to be part of the local economy; forced children to attend separate schools, often far away from their families; outlawed their traditions, language, and culture; and restricted their ability to mingle with mainstream Euro-settlers. There is no equality in the standard of living for people living on-reserve. More often than not, those who live on-reserve have to contend with poor housing and unsafe water, both of which
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