This sub-series is very rich on Indian / aboriginal matters. It consists largely of correspondence; but there is also informational material (press clippings and brochures) about events of note or organizations. There is also some gray literature, published material printed in such small runs as to constitute archival records (such as stories in Indian languages or Indian-language primers).
There is correspondence with key Indian cultural figures, such as Freda Ahenakew. Other files reveal the activities of various Indian umbrella organizations, such as the Canadian Native Arts Foundation (promoting Indian Art), Canadian Council for Business (promoting Indian business enterprises), and First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Educational Centres (promoting Indian customs). There are files on encouraging and supporting Indian education and professional schooling. A large bloc of files deals with electoral reform, and Marchand's work to try to secure a fixed bloc of aboriginal seats to be set aside in the House of Commons. Indian activities in the resource sector (fishing and forestry) are detailed here.
There is a large bloc of files detailing Marchand's relationship with various specific Indian bands, and his interventionism on their behalf with the difficulties which they encountered in the areas of land, fishing and business.
Important Indian organizations are reflected in this sub-series, such as the Assembly of First Nations, the Union of B.C. Chiefs and the Native Council of Canada. Lesser tribal councils are also here. These records elucidate the conditions of Indian life, the objectives of these organizations as they strove to better the lives of their people and right perceived historical wrongs.
A bloc of files on the Indian Act and its amendments reveals what Indians perceived to be the institutional foundation for many of the difficulties which they faced historically and into their present, and others deal with the matter of Indian self-government, which could only be possible within the context of amending the Indian Act.
A number of files address land claims matters, especially in British Columbia.
There is a substantial bloc of files on the Oka crisis, which reveals Marchand's activities in an attempt to find a resolution to it. There is much behind-the-scenes correspondence here between him and the Mohawk and other band leaders on this issue.
Finally, there is a significant number of files on the subject of Indian war veterans, dealing with addressing unfair treatment of such, and an attempt to erect a war monument in Ottawa to honour their war-time sacrifices.
In short, all the key issues which trouble Indian-federal government relations into today are all reflected here in this sub-series. This sub-series also demonstrates how Marchand, in his non-confrontational manner, tried to defuse things and at the same time to have the federal government respond in a meaningful way to the needs of Canada's aboriginal peoples.
