An introduction to the diversity and complexity of various “life situations” of contemporary Canadian native peoples. The focus is on cultural survival, land claims, constitutional issues, self government, and socio-economic development. The implications of relations between indigenous minorities and the nation state will be explored.
Credits: 3
Hours: 45 (Lecture Hours: 3)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisite:
First year course in Anthropology or Sociology,
OR consent of instructor.
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Course Content:
Introduction to the Course
Part One: Origins and Oral Traditions
- Oral Traditions
- The Peopling of Americas
- Early Periods of Native History
- Contemporary Period: Indian and White Relations
- Connections to the Land
- Native Languages
Part Two: Culture Areas: Social and Political Organizations, Pre-Contact and Post-Contact History
- The Arctic: The Palaeo-Eskimo, Dorset, Thule, Inuit
- The Eastern Woodlands: The Algonquians, The Iroquoians
- The Eastern Subarctic: The Cree, The Innu, The Atikamekw
- The Western Subarctic: The Chipewyan, The Yellowknife, The Dogrib
- The Plains: The Plain Nations, the Formation of Métis Nation
- The Plateau
- The Northwest Coast
Part Three: Legal Definitions
- The Royal Proclamation and the Indian Act
- Indian Treaties: Friendship Treaties, Land Surrender Treaties
- Aboriginal Title, Land Claims (missed treaties), Unsurrender Rights and Modern Treaties
- The Golden Lake Algonquin and Algonquin Park
- Fighting for Recognition: The Sheshatshit Innu and the Megaprojects
- The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement
Part Four: Effects of Colonialism - Profile of Aboriginals: Aboriginals Identity and Social Issues
- Religious Colonialism
- Native Health Issues
- Colonialism, Native Education, and “Child Welfare”
Part Five: Contemporary Debates and Social Action
- Social Issues: The Dudley George Story
- Fighting for the Sacred Waters
- Native Policing
- The Justice System and Natives
- Native Governance: Aboriginal Organizations, Self-Determination, and Self-Governance
- Undoing the Past: Aboriginals Economical Development , Taking Over the Schools, Taking Back the Children
- Conclusion
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
- Identify the processes associated with the development of relationships between Canadian Indigenous peoples and the European settlers and conquers
- Analyze Native peoples' experiences of and responses to Colonial oppression in Canada.
- Reflect on contemporary conflicts between the indigenous peoples and the state
- Comment on the subjects of land claims and Aboriginals’ self- government
- Examine Indigenous peoples’ cultural survival
- Discuss Indigenous peoples’ issues with regard to their education, socio-economic development, health care, and justice systems
Grading System: Letters, Percentage
Passing Grade: D (50%)
Textbooks:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.