scholarly journals Moving in the Circle: Indigenous Solidarity for Canadian Libraries

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Blair ◽  
Desmond Wong
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
150Th Anniversary ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
Indian Act ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Peuples Autochtones ◽  
New Framework

Libraries face new challenges in an era of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples as First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are reclaiming their voices and building a new framework for its relationship with other Canadians. In order for libraries to begin the process of responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, library staff should educate themselves on the role that the library has played in the marginalization of Indigenous peoples. As 2017 marked both the 150th anniversary of Confederation and the 140th anniversary of the Indian Act, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settlers, especially in the context of library. This paper aims to introduce some of the systems that define settler-Indigenous relationships and proposes solidarity and relationship building as a path towards reconciliation. Les bibliothèques font face à de nouveaux défis dans une ère de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones alors que les communautés des Premières nations, des Métis et des Inuits retrouvent leurs voix et établissent une nouvelle structure pour leurs relations avec les autres Canadiens. Pour que les bibliothèques puissent commencer à répondre aux 94 appels à l'action lancés par la Commission de vérité et réconciliation, le personnel des bibliothèques devrait se renseigner sur le rôle qu'elles ont joué dans la marginalisation des peuples autochtones. Comme l'année 2017 marquait à la fois le 150e anniversaire de la Confédération et le 140e anniversaire de la Loi sur les Indiens, le moment est venu de réfléchir aux relations entre les peuples autochtones et les colonisateurs, surtout dans le contexte des bibliothèques. Cet article vise à présenter certains des systèmes qui définissent les relations entre colonisateurs et autochtones, et propose que la solidarité et l'établissement de bonnes relations façonnent la voie vers la réconciliation.

scholarly journals Exceeding the Limits of Reconciliation: ‘Decolonial Aesthetic Activism’ in the Artwork of Canadian Artist Meryl McMaster

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-22
Author(s):  
Allyson Green
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Settler Colonialism ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Close Reading ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
Critical Engagement

In this paper I consider whether, and if so how artistic creative uncertainty can facilitate processes of imagining new relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers. Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s model of reconciliation seems to promise improved Indigenous/settler relationships, yet many Indigenous scholars and allies question the efficacy of it as an approach to expedite relationship-building. For that reason, Indigenous critics like David Garneau suggest that alternate methods be deployed such as ‘decolonial aesthetic activism’ in order to build relationships that exceed the limits of reconciliation. Within this model, ambiguous, discordant, and indigestible artworks operate as one method by which we/settlers can become aware of how we are implicated in the structures of settler colonialism. I apply Garneau’s theory by conducting a close reading of the performative self-portraits by Meryl McMaster. My analysis reveals that art can put forward critiques of settler colonialism that unsettle assumptions, thereby creating new spaces for us to imagine worlds otherwise. Accordingly, I argue that McMaster’s art does have the potential to exceed the limits of reconciliation and conclude that critical engagement with her photographs is an important first step in the process that is decolonization, a process that exceeds the limits of reconciliation.

scholarly journals Jordan’s Principle: Reconciliation and the First Nations Child

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-12
Author(s):  
Colleen Sheppard
Keyword(s):  
Child Welfare ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Residential Schools ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation Commission ◽  
Child Welfare Services ◽  
Reconciliation Commission ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
Nations Child ◽  
The Individual

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was mandated to “document the individual and collective harms” of residential schools and to “guide and inspire a process of truth and healing, leading toward reconciliation.”  The stories of survivors revealed the intergenerational and egregious harms of taking children from their families and communities. In seeking to redress the legacy of the residential schools era, the TRC Calls to Action include greater recognition of self-governance of Indigenous Peoples, as well as numerous recommendations for equitable funding of health, educational, and child welfare services.

“This Is Going to Affect Our Lives”: Exploring Huu-ay-aht First Nations, the Government of Canada and British Columbia’s New Relationship Through the Implementation of the Maa-nulth Treaty

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Sloan Morgan ◽  
Heather Castleden ◽  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
150Th Anniversary ◽  
Canadian Provinces ◽  
The Government ◽  
Government Of Canada

AbstractCanada celebrated its 150th anniversary since Confederation in 2017. At the same time, Canada is also entering an era of reconciliation that emphasizes mutually respectful and just relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown. British Columbia (BC) is uniquely situated socially, politically, and economically as compared to other Canadian provinces, with few historic treaties signed. As a result, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments are attempting to define ‘new relationships’ through modern treaties. What new relationships look like under treaties remains unclear though. Drawing from a comprehensive case study, we explore Huu-ay-aht First Nations—a signatory of the Maa-nulth Treaty, implemented in 2011—BC and Canada’s new relationship by analysing 26 interviews with treaty negotiators and Indigenous leaders. A disconnect between obligations outlined in the treaty and how Indigenous signatories experience changing relations is revealed, pointing to an asymmetrical dynamic remaining in the first years of implementation despite new relationships of modern treaty.

scholarly journals Relations between Canada and First Nations in the West (1867-1900): The Numbered Treaties, Indian Act, and Loss of Aboriginal Autonomy

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Allard
Keyword(s):  
Social Development ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Gain Control ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
The West ◽  
Late 19Th Century ◽  
Indian Act ◽  
The Government ◽  
Government Of Canada ◽  
The Relationship

This paper examines the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nations during and after the first seven numbered treaty negotations (1867-1900). During this time, the government viewed First Nations as impediments to economic, political, and social development in western Canada. In order to secure land for newcomers and gain control of the West, the government negotiated treaties and passed legislation to control and assimilate the Aboriginal population (1876 Indian Act). As this paper explains, unjust government actions and broken government promises only made the relationship between First Nations and Canada more contentious during the late 19th century.

scholarly journals Policy Forum: First Nation Property Taxation and Governance in British Columbia

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 873-887
Author(s):  
Ross Hickey
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Property Tax ◽  
Property Values ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Electoral Rules ◽  
Property Taxation ◽  
Indian Act ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Policy Forum

In this article, I ask, "What is the relationship between rules governing band council elections and property taxation across First Nations in British Columbia?" I outline the three major categories of First Nation electoral rules: default Indian Act elections, First Nations Elections Act rules, and custom election codes. I contend that First Nations who use custom election codes are more likely to exhibit stable governance than those who do not. This mechanism can be helpful in introducing property taxation. It can also reduce property tax uncertainty—a feature known to depress on-reserve property values. I also present some suggestions for First Nations wishing to improve perceptions of taxation in their communities.

scholarly journals STL’UL NUP: LEGAL LANDSCAPES OF THE HUL’QUMI’NUM MUSTIMUHW

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Morales
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous People ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Community Identity ◽  
Legal Obligations ◽  
Indigenous Territories ◽  
Special Relationships ◽  
Peuples Autochtones ◽  
Insight Into

Landscape is a part of every individual’s sense of being.  However, one cannot deny the special relationships that Indigenous peoples maintain with places they have inhabited since the beginning of creation.  These places are deeply imbued with meaning, and are sites of personal and community identity.  In addition, these places are legal in nature.  They teach Indigenous people about their legal obligations – to each other, their ancestors and the natural world.  This paper examines the connection between land and law for the Hul’qumi’num Mustimuhw, a group of Island Hul’qumi’num speaking First Nations, located on southeastern Vancouver Island.  It discusses how lands within Indigenous territories can be transformed into legal landscapes, when considered in relation to place, time and experience.  It also examines specific legal landscapes within the Hul’qumi’num territory and explores the laws and regulations that reside within and flow from them.  Through this paper, one can gain insight into how these places inform the Hul’qumi’num lgal tradition and impart important teachings to the Hul’qumi’num Mustimuhw about the nature of their relationship and their obligations to particular places and inhabitants of those places. Le paysage fait intrinsèquement partie de l’identité de chacun. Cependant, nul ne saurait nier les liens spéciaux que les peuples autochtones ont noués avec les endroits qu’ils habitent depuis le début de la création. Ces endroits revêtent un sens tout particulier pour eux et sont des lieux auxquels ils s’identifient, tant sur le plan personnel que sur le plan communautaire. De plus, ces endroits ont acquis une grande signification juridique. Ils enseignent aux Autochtones en quoi consistent leurs obligations juridiques envers eux-mêmes, envers leurs ancêtres et envers la nature. Dans ce texte, l’auteur se penche sur la relation qui existe entre le territoire et la loi pour les Hul’qumi’num Mustimuhw, groupe de Premières nations de langue « mustimuhw Hul’qumi’num » qui vit dans le sud-est de l’île de Vancouver. Il explique comment les terres des territoires autochtones peuvent devenir des paysages juridiques lorsqu’elles sont examinées sous l’angle de l’emplacement, du temps et de l’expérience. Il analyse également certains paysages juridiques du territoire hul’qumi’num ainsi que les lois et règlements qui en découlent et qui en font partie. En lisant ce texte, le lecteur pourra mieux comprendre l’influence de ces endroits sur la tradition juridique hul’qumi’num et les leçons importantes qu’ils enseignent aux Hul’qumi’num Mustimuhw au sujet de la nature de leur relation avec certains lieux et leurs habitants et des obligations qu’ils ont envers eux.

scholarly journals Is Decolonization the Answer to Indigenous Under-achievement? Comparing Rhetoric with Reality in New Zealand and Canada

2008 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Minnis
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
Peuples Autochtones

The paper compares the rhetoric of decolonization put forth by indigenous scholars with the reality of educational outcomes in New Zealand and Canada and discusses the implications of two common themes emerging from the discourse: (1) cultural determinism in which both First Nations and Maori scholars fundamentally but narrowly depict education as a means to conserve language and cultural heritage -- which results, intentionally or unintentionally, in (2) a hardening of racial/ethnic boundaries. The paper critiques the appropriateness of both themes in the context of the widely accepted notion that indigenous peoples in both countries need to attain higher levels of educational attainment and improve educational performance in order to compete in a knowledge-based, global economy. L'article compare la rhétorique de décolonisation avancée par les érudits autochtones avec la réalité des résultats de l'enseignement en Nouvelle-Zélande et au Canada et discute la portée des deux thèmes communs qui émergent des discours: (1) un déterminisme culturel dans lequel les érudits des Premières Nations et du peuple Maori représentent l'éducation de façon fondamentale mais étroite, comme le moyen de préserver l'héritage linguistique et culturel -- dont les résultats volontaires ou involontaires, amènent à (2) un durcissement des frontières raciales ou ethniques. L'article critique la justesse des deux thèmes dans le contexte de la notion généralement acceptée que les peuples autochtones dans ces deux pays ont besoin d'atteindre un niveau d'éducation plus élevé et d'améliorer leurs accomplissements académiques pour pouvoir compéter dans une économie globale et basée sur la connaissance.

scholarly journals Pushing the Academy: The Need for Decolonizing Research

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Antoine
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Residential School ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
Decolonizing Methodologies ◽  
Justice Sociale ◽  
Ample Opportunity ◽  
History Of ◽  
Speak Up ◽  
Peuples Autochtones

With renewed interest for research involving Indigenous peoples, nations, and communities following the height of the Idle No More movement and, more recently, the release of the Indian Residential School Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, this research in brief argues that there is a need for researchers to recognize the history of the Western academy’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and its legacy of contributing to colonization. As a result, communication scholarship should seek to embrace and even privilege Indigenous knowledges in research, when appropriate, and accept research goals of Indigenous social justice based on decolonizing methodologies. The collaborative nature of research means that there is ample opportunity to speak up when research fails to include Indigenous ways of knowing.À la suite du mouvement Idle No More et, plus récemment, de la publication du rapport final de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation du Canada sur les écoles résidentielles autochtones, on remarque un intérêt renouvelé pour la recherche sur les peuples, nations et communautés autochtones. Dans ce contexte, ce Coup d’œil sur la recherche soutient que les chercheurs ont besoin de mieux reconnaître l’histoire de la relation entre les peuples autochtones et l’université occidentale et la participation de celle-ci à leur colonisation. Dans les circonstances, la recherche en communication devrait chercher à inclure et même privilégier les savoirs autochtones quand il est pertinent de le faire, et accepter les objectifs visés par la justice sociale autochtone fondée sur des méthodologies décolonisatrices. La nature collaborative de la recherche est telle qu’il y a maintes occasions où l’on pourrait intervenir aux moments où celle-ci oublie les modes d’apprentissage autochtones.

scholarly journals Recommendations on the Optimal Constitutional Recognition of the First Nations in Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 213-230
Author(s):  
Benjamen Franklen Gussen
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Legal Pluralism ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Collective Rights ◽  
Optimal Approach ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Dynamic Recognition ◽  
The Relationship

This note extends my previous analysis of the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (‘First Nations’) by providing guidance on the optimal approach for this recognition. The guidance is founded on the concepts of efficiency and equity. An optimal recognition is defined as one that achieves both objectives simultaneously. Efficiency flows from a dynamic recognition that changes over time relatively easily, as exemplified by a treaty-based approach. The equity criterion has, as a proxy, legal pluralism, whereby constitutional recognition enlivens ‘Indigenous jurisprudence’ through mechanisms such as self-governance. The proposal is to combine efficiency and equity by guaranteeing the collective rights of Indigenous Australians in accordance with universally recognised principles and norms of international law, such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (for which the Commonwealth of Australia announced its support in 2009). This in turn is likely to guide a treaty-based approach to the relationship between the Commonwealth and First Nations that can evolve towards legal pluralism.

scholarly journals Miýo-pimātisiwin Developing Indigenous Cultural Responsiveness Theory (ICRT): Improving Indigenous Health and Well-Being

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
JoLee Sasakamoose ◽  
Terrina Bellegarde ◽  
Wilson Sutherland ◽  
Shauneen Pete ◽  
Kim McKay-McNabb
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cultural Responsiveness ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation Commission ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Effect Change ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
The Status

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada calls upon those who can effect change within Canadian systems to recognize the value of Indigenous healing practices and to collaborate with Indigenous healers, Elders, and knowledge keepers where requested by Indigenous Peoples. This article presents the Indigenous Cultural Responsiveness Theory (ICRT) as a decolonized pathway designed to guide research that continuously improves the health, education, governance, and policies of Indigenous Peoples in Saskatchewan. Decolonizing practices include privileging and engaging in Indigenous philosophies, beliefs, practices, and values that counter colonialism and restore well-being. The ICRT supports the development of collaborative relationships between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous allies who seek to improve the status of First Nations health and wellness.

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