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I worked with several aboriginal Canadians on a large construction project. They were from several different "rez's" (their terminology, not mine) around Ontario.
The foreman was from six Nations outside of Brantford and he was one of the finest people I have ever met. He was very active in his community in sports, etc. and never ever drank even a sip.
The other guys were actually some of the funniest guys I have ever met in my life.
As far as the history goes, to the best of my knowledge, there were never any Indian Wars, but the French and the British did "use" various Indian tribes to further their own goals. I believe, and I could be wrong, that the Iroquois were the fiercest and most war-like and were quite close to the French.
And yes, Canada owes its existence to the warriors who fought with Tecumseh against the Americans in the War of 1812. It is my understanding that the aboriginal warriors paid the highest price in terms of sacrifice against the American invaders. Higher than the Canadians, higher than the British Regular Forces.
Supposedly Isaac Brock had promised Tecumseh a country of his own in exchange for his allegiance with the British. That country was to be the thumb of Michigan. When Brock was killed at the Battle of Queenston Heights early in the war, that promise died with him, and later when peace was signed, the thumb was returned to the US and there was return to the pre-war boarders.
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