The Supervised Life

Few humanitarian colonists saw reserves as aboriginal property.

Most saw them as refuges, where governments could protect aboriginal people from the more exploitative and ruthless colonists.

Adults were to be trained for useful work in colonial enterprises, and to ensure they didn't become beggars, prostitutes, or a danger to themselves or others.

Public servants and missionaries could also provide moral and vocational training for young aborigines, without interference.

This paternalism was so vigorously pursued on some reserves, they became in effect, prisons.