Reserves are areas where Aboriginal people live, but the Government of Canada owns them. People living on a reserve cannot, for example, sell their homes to whoever they want.
Initially, the reserves were intended to help Aboriginal people to receive government services, since they could be reached more easily there than if they lived in the forest.
However, over time, Aboriginal people felt increasingly cramped. Also, the land chosen for the reserves were not the best for agriculture or hunting and fishing. In addition, the living conditions are not always adequate: the streets are not always paved; sometimes there is no water and sewage system, or not enough houses.
This is why some Aboriginal people want to negotiate with the government to find better ways to manage the reserves. Among other things, they want the right to make more decisions for themselves.
Despite the problems, many Aboriginal people are attached to their reserve because it is the place where they find their community, culture and traditions.