Title to land on reservations -- First Nations land right: personal or group?

Again the issue of giving Status Indians direct title to land on Reserves is in the news. I am indifferent on the issue -- it may make sense but it may just be a political hobby horse for the right.

One thing is sure; if individuals on reserve own property in fee simple, the land so owned will pass out of First Nations ownership within a couple of generations at most (likely far earlier). That's the main reason such ownership has not been allowed to date. Perhaps this is uncalled for and the concern is merely Ottawa being patronising. That said, the issue of who will "own" the reservations in 2050 is what underlies the property rights question.