I think one of the biggest issues facing integrating Natives into our society and out of a reserve system is Land Rights. Right now to do anything on reserve land requires federal government approval. This takes years.
For example the Ring Road deal for the Tsu Tina isn't done yet because the Federal government hasn't approved it yet. They can't develop their land without federal government approval. They can't lease there land without federal government approval, they can't sell their land without federal government approval. They can't buy land to expand their reserve without federal government approval. Individuals also can't own their houses or the land they are on.
So how have we (government of canada) incentivised the reserve system. If you leave the reserve you get less, if you try to develp business on the reserve you are fought at every turn, as an individual you don't own your house so there is no reason to improve it. Everything in the current reserve system incentivizes not improving the standard of living.
The first change that needs to be made which it sounds like the harper government is working towards is to allow bands autonomy over the reserve lands. Doing this would help to eliminate a lot of issues. It isn't a one stop solution but it would at least allow good bands to progress.
As to people who want to just tear up the contract I think that if you were owed acres of land in a deal that was signed previously you would be very upset if the govenment came back and said lets just rip up the contract. For the land claims issue it should be simple, fufill the contract you signed and be done with it.
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