Welfare colonialism

Though usage of the term dates from the 1950s,[1] the concept is often associated with anthropologist Robert Paine, who expanded and developed it while observing the failed economic integration of the native population in Northern Canada.

"Much of the work on welfare colonialism is based on the experience of the Inuit in the 1960's and 70's as the Canadian government sought to simultaneously engage, control and support native communities, a change from prior policies of forced relocation and residential schools.

[5] Though the new policies involved the community in policymaking, it was clear to both government representatives and native leaders that the old relationship of colonizer to subject was still in effect, in particular the overhanging notion of 'civilizing' and 'Canadianizing' the Inuit.

Although granted full citizenship in 1962,[16] Aboriginal people often live in circumstances described as 'shocking'[17] despite the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in efforts to promote their welfare.

Development Colonialism focuses not on improving the health and welfare of the native population directly but rather on large-scale infrastructure projects such as electrification and road-building.