Much of the coverage surrounding the relationship between Indigenous communities and the Crown in Canada has focused on the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. Yet it is at the local level where some of the most important and significant partnerships are being made between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

In A Quiet Evolution, Christopher Alcantara and Jen Nelles look closely at hundreds of agreements from across Canada and at four case studies drawn from Ontario, Quebec, and Yukon Territory to explore relationships between Indigenous and local governments. By analyzing the various ways in which they work together, the authors provide an original, transferable framework for studying any type of intergovernmental partnership at the local level. Timely and accessible, A Quiet Evolution is a call to politicians, policymakers and citizens alike to encourage Indigenous and local governments to work towards mutually beneficial partnerships.

Christopher Alcantara is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Christopher Alcantara's profile page

Jen Nelles is a visiting associate professor in the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning at Hunter College.

Jen Nelles' profile page

‘This is a fine systematic study of a ‘quiet’ process – emergence of partnerships between First Nations and local governments – which may be useful in other countries such as the US (in states with reservations) and Australia…. Highly recommended.’

Choice Magazine vol 54:05:2017

‘Alcantara and Nelles’s book is a glorious example of social and political science interacting with the law… A Quiet Evolution is a fantastic guide for anybody interested in this area of law.’

Saskatchewan Law Review vol 80:2017