In the latter half of the 20th century, Indigenous activism and court rulings began to challenge these injustices. The 1982 Constitution recognized “existing Aboriginal and treaty rights,” giving legal force to historic agreements. Landmark Supreme Court decisions such as Calder, Delgamuukw, and Tsilhqot’in affirmed Indigenous land rights and title.
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Politically, Indigenous voices have become increasingly central. Organizations such as the Assembly of First Nations represent collective interests, while modern treaties and self-government agreements provide greater autonomy. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2008–2015) exposed the legacy of residential schools, urging governments to pursue reconciliation through concrete action.
