Social assistance and related programs are an important part of life in the 13 Mi’kmaq communities of Nova Scotia. Given the substantive importance of social assistance and related programs in Mi’kmaq communities, it is surprising how little research has been conducted on the subject. This research aims to understand the origins of economic dependence and the related emergence of social assistance among the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia. We identify key historical periods and processes that have shaped the current policy landscape. A defining characteristic of social policy on reserve has been the fact that First Nations themselves have had very little say in how programs such as social assistance are designed and delivered. There is hope that a more self-determined and holistic approach may emerge.

中文翻译：

---

社会援助的历史根源：对新斯科舍省 Mi'kmaw 生计的殖民破坏反应不足

社会援助和相关计划是新斯科舍省 13 个 Mi'kmaq 社区生活的重要组成部分。鉴于 Mi'kmaq 社区的社会援助和相关计划的实质性重要性，令人惊讶的是，关于该主题的研究如此之少。本研究旨在了解新斯科舍省 Mi'kmaq 经济依赖的起源和社会援助的相关出现。我们确定了塑造当前政策格局的关键历史时期和过程。储备社会政策的一个决定性特征是，原住民本身在如何设计和实施社会援助等计划方面几乎没有发言权。有希望出现一种更加自主和全面的方法。