One of the more fundamental problems with the reserve system is too many Chiefs look at them as their own little kingdom to rule. For many residents on the various reserves, their "quality" of life depends a fair bit on their standing with the Chief and the Elders. Corruption among the Chiefs and Elders is no different than with any other govt. There'll be corrupt one and ones that aren't.
Another major issue is a form of emotional blackmail. There are several reserves where the people know that if they leave to live in "the White man's world", they won't be welcomed back, essentially being ex-communicated from the band. Not all are that bad, some are more reasonable about it if you're leaving for an available educational or employment opportunity. Those Chiefs and Elders put quality of life well above identity politics. I know some will try and claim that the primary reason most remain on the reserve is financial, but in the cases where full on emotional blackmail is employed by the Chiefs, simply providing them the means to leave won't guarantee they'd take the opportunity.
It's not all horrible though. There are quite a few communities that overall are doing ok in part because they at least have a road/highway connection and are relatively close to other infrastructure and populations.
When it comes to education, one place in particular (Crow River IIRC) is doing great things. Their curriculum is up to standards, preparing their students for life in a 21st century world, while also providing them an education in their own culture, traditions and language, all while maintaining a 90% graduation rate.
Thankfully there are reserves with Chiefs who understand that identity politics is bullspit if your people are suffering, but I guess we'll just have to grasp the concept that just like everyone else on the planet, the Native people of Canada have greedy, selfish, self-serving a$$holes too.
Cliffy, in his ham-fisted, uppitysnit attempt to be condescending back on page one is right though. They're just going to have to sort some of this stuff out themselves, and without us telling them what needs to be done and how. Can't really say, "Well you'll have to get rid of your corrupt leaders before things start to improve," when we keep electing and re-electing idiots ourselves.
