Council of Aboriginal Peoples

The Council of Aboriginal Peoples was a Canadian federal organization established in 1983 to represent the interests of Indigenous peoples who are not enrolled in recognized First Nations, Métis, or Inuit governments. It aimed to advocate for their rights and address issues like cultural identity, land claims, and social services. However, it was criticized for focusing primarily on the urban and non-status Indigenous population, and it was dissolved in 1986. The council's existence highlights the complexities of Indigenous representation within Canadian government structures, emphasizing the diversity of Indigenous identities beyond traditional tribal nations.