ASU Residential Colleges
reserve residences colleges at ASU put first year students next door to classmates who share their major or career interests, creating a supportive and close-knit community designed to help you succeed. From tutoring and advising to academic support activities, residential staff are ready to guide you throughout your four years.
Historically, reserves were an attempt by the colonial government to civilize Aboriginal peoples by introducing them to agriculture and Christianity. However, this approach has led to a system of land ownership that has created enduring socio-economic hardships for Indigenous communities across Canada.
Reserves in Canada have become a source of conflict between governments at both the provincial and federal levels. Despite these problems, many people still live on reserve today.
Living on a reserve is a unique experience that can teach you about cultural diversity and the importance of belonging to a community. Here, you will learn about Indigenous traditions and ways of life that have shaped your country over the centuries.
There are three main types of reserves in Canada: large, medium, and small. Each type of reserve has its own unique story and is an important part of Canadian history.
The size of a reserve is determined by treaty agreements. Depending on the agreement, a Nation may be granted an average of 20 acres for each family of five. Or, the amount of land allocated to a reserve could be based on the number of Indians living there or other criteria.
Oftentimes, reserves are isolated from surrounding cities and villages. Even those reserves that are within cities and towns often have no basic services such as electricity or running water. This can lead to a high rate of homelessness among native peoples.
A large percentage of the population on reserve is youth, and these people are often more isolated than other people in their community. This can make it difficult to develop friendships and social networks.
These communities have been impacted by government policies, including discriminatory legislation and assimilationist programs such as the residential schools. These policies have contributed to the enduring socio-economic conditions faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, including poverty and limited access to education.
There are many reasons for this, but the most common is that Indigenous peoples have been removed from their traditional homelands and forced to live on smaller reserves that cannot support their full range of needs.
In addition, Indigenous peoples have experienced a decline in the quality of their education and healthcare. This has led to many Aboriginal youth becoming disengaged from their culture and community.
On the other hand, there are many First Nations that have developed strong communities, thrived in their own cultures and languages, and continue to hold a rich, vibrant connection to their land. This can be seen in their art, dance, music and spiritual practices.
Lastly, Indigenous peoples continue to maintain their own ways of life on their reservations through the creation of customary laws and social structures that they control. These customs help keep people connected to their lands and cultures, and are essential for the survival of their tribes.