Nothing it Seems Can be Done About it: Charlie Cox, Indian Affairs Timber Policy, and the Long Lac Reserve, 1924–40

Historians who have examined Canadian government administration of First Nation's resources such as minerals and agricultural land have concluded that Ottawa often failed to manage these resources in the Natives' best interests. This article argues that the same can be said of the manner i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Canadian historical review 2003-03, Vol.84 (1), p.33-63
Main Author: Kuhlberg, Mark
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
20th century
Canada
Canadian history
Charlie Cox
Cox, Charles
Cox, Charles W
Government policy
History
Indigenous populations
Native North Americans
Native peoples
Native reservations
Native rights
Natural resources
Politics
Resource exploitation
Timber
Timber rights
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Summary:Historians who have examined Canadian government administration of First Nation's resources such as minerals and agricultural land have concluded that Ottawa often failed to manage these resources in the Natives' best interests. This article argues that the same can be said of the manner in which the Department of Indian Affairs handled First Nation timber. The story is told by examining the case of Charles W. Cox and his roughly fifteen year (1924-40) association with the timber licence to Long Lac Reserve 77 in northern Ontario. During this period, department officials consistently placed patronage considerations ahead of protecting the First Nation's interests, breaking numerous rules and regulations in the process. They did so even though a string of observers--from members of the First Nation to federal cabinet ministers--made the department acutely aware of the irresponsible manner in which it was managing the reserve's timber. Throughout this affair, it seemed as though no stimulus could prod government officials into fulfilling their duty as guardian of both the Natives and their resources. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0008-3755
1710-1093
DOI:10.3138/CHR.84.1.33