Indian and Metis peoples, however, have been described in terms of culture often to the exclusion of other aspects of identity. The wide range of legal, socio-political, and economic factors of identity tend to be underplayed in a great many works. Yet all elements of identity for First Nations peoples have persisted in depth and meaning over time. Many works imply there is a single culture or language when, in reality, there is great diversity. Some authors view the original peoples as naive participants, or helpless victims of processes thought unfamiliar to First Nations peoples.
Some writers present the view that such agreements imply only moral obligation.
The belief that these are free goods and services is incorrect since these are in exchange for lands and resources. The term, Indian Act, itself, may create the impression that it is an Indian owned document. Mechanisms such as the distribution of wealth, decision-making, and rights and responsibilities are universal. Some works relegate these to a seemingly unsophisticated, distant past. It should be apparent that traditional modes of livelihood persist into our time, and involve contemporary economic activities.