The book provides an extended analysis of how changing social dynamics, organized particularly around race, class, and gender relations, have shaped the life chances and conditions for Indigenous Peoples within the structure of Canadian society and its major institutional forms.

Reprint. Originally published: Scarborough, Ont. : Nelson Canada, 1993. With new introd.

Political economy versus the Chicago School and Internal colonialism: class, "Race, " gender, and Aboriginal Peoples -- The State and the contradictions of Indian Administration -- Aboriginal Peoples and economic relations: underclass or class fractions? -- Social reproduction and the Welfare State -- Education and job training -- Health Status and health care -- Law, crime, and the criminal justice system -- Aboriginal organizations: struggles over citizenship -- Conflict, competition, and the contradictions of economic development.