This paper will look at the poverty experienced by remote Indigenous communities, and how government social assistance (Ontario Works Program) has ultimately created systematic and systemic barriers that has resulted in inadequate social conditions. Poverty and homelessness among Indigenous persons and communities is linked historically to the oppression, racism, colonization, and exploitation implemented by European settlers. Due to the historical injustices of being forced onto remote, undesirable land for their reserves, residential school experience, and the Sixty Scoop has led Indigenous persons to experience inadequate living conditions such as, unstable and overcrowded homes; substance use; addictions; health issues; unsafe drinking
