ABSTRACT
The hardships experienced by Cherbourg residents over the past century continue to be felt in the community today. Historical perspectives on the establishment and management of Aboriginal settlements provide insights into the contemporary living conditions of these communities. This chapter presents a historical and contemporary overview of Cherbourg and discusses its establishment as an Aboriginal reserve and the various post-colonial governmental periods that followed. These are identified as the protection, assimilation, and self-determination and self-management eras. The chapter also discusses Cherbourg's policies and governance, population, labour, housing and services, education, and dormitory life on the settlement. Adopting a thematic historical analysis of community life offers a more detailed portrayal of Cherbourg as it is relevant to children and their families. In the contemporary overview, the selected themes are studied in the present day context. This is followed by a discussion on the environmental and psychological implications of Cherbourg's difficult colonial and post-colonial history.
