Land dispossession and economic marginalization: The consequences of the Indian Act on Indigenous land rights in New Brunswick from 1876-2013

Abstract

This thesis examines the enduring consequences of the Indian Act on Indigenous land rights and economic marginalization in New Brunswick from 1876 to 2013, with a particular focus on the Elsipogtog Blockade. It integrates interdisciplinary literature on Indigenous populations and the Canadian State alongside a review of key legislation that frames the relationship. It explores how the implementation and amendments of the Indian Act have contributed to the dispossession of Indigenous lands, restricted economic opportunities, and undermined traditional governance structures. The study highlights the lasting impacts of forced relocations, land expropriations, and discriminatory policies on Indigenous communities and Elsipogtog in particular, leading to social dislocation and economic challenges. By contextualizing the Elsipogtog Blockade within this historical narrative, this research underscores the urgent need for reconciliation and redress for Indigenous peoples in New Brunswick.