It described them as "citizens minus." Hawthorne attributed these conditions to years of bad government policy, especially the Indian residential school system, which failed to provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in the modern economy. Hawthorne said that all forced assimilation programs, such as the residential schools, should be abolished, and that Aboriginal peoples should be seen as "citizens plus", and given opportunities and resources for self-determination.
It referred to them as "citizens minus." Hawthorne linked these issues to years of poor government policies, especially the Indian residential school system, which did not prepare students adequately for modern economic success. Hawthorne argued that all assimilation programs, including the residential schools, should be abolished and that Aboriginal peoples should be seen as "citizens plus," with access to opportunities and resources for self-determination.