Indigenous Political Structures and Activism

This set of flashcards covers traditional Indigenous political structures, colonial impacts such as the Indian Act and White Paper, and the subsequent rise of Indigenous activism and models of self-governance.

Kanien:keha'ka (Mohawk/Haudenosaunee)

A member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy governed by the Great Law of Peace (Gayanashagowa) with a matrilineal clan system where Clan Mothers select and remove leaders.

Gayanashagowa

The Great Law of Peace that governs the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, emphasizing peace, balance, unity, and collective responsibility.

Nehiyawak (Cree)

Indigenous group characterized by decentralized governance where leadership was based on respect, ability, wisdom, and service rather than political office.

Inuit Governance

A system based on cooperation, consensus, and the knowledge of Elders, with flexible structures adapted to the realities of Arctic life and collective survival.

Haida Governance

A structure organized through clans and hereditary leadership where social status is linked to family lineage and Potlatches reinforce social responsibilities.

Indian Act

A legislative act that imposed federal control over Indigenous communities, replacing traditional governance with elected band councils and undermining Indigenous laws.

Enfranchisement

A process aimed at assimilation where Indigenous people lost their Status and treaty rights in exchange for full Canadian citizenship.

White Paper (1969)

A policy proposal by Pierre Trudeau and Jean Chrétien that sought to eliminate the Indian Act, remove Indian Status, and end special legal status for Indigenous peoples.

Red Paper (Citizens Plus)

A response to the White Paper written by Harold Cardinal and the Indian Association of Alberta, arguing that treaties must be honoured and Indigenous peoples are distinct nations.

Harold Cardinal

A leader from the Indian Association of Alberta who wrote the Red Paper to challenge government assimilation policies.

Red Power Movement

An activism movement in the 1970s that focused on Indigenous pride, sovereignty, self-determination, and cultural revitalization.

AIM (American Indian Movement)

A movement focused on Indigenous rights and sovereignty that inspired the Red Power movements in Canada.

Native People's Caravan (1974)

An activist event where participants travelled to Ottawa demanding Indigenous rights, policy change, and government accountability.

National Indian Brotherhood

An organization that provided national political representation for Status Indians.

Inuit Tapirisat of Canada

A national political organization representing Inuit peoples.

Native Council of Canada

A national political organization representing Métis and non-status peoples.

Self-Government

The right of Indigenous peoples to govern their own communities, including leadership, laws, services, education, and local decision-making.

Self-Determination

The broad right of Indigenous peoples to determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural future without external control.

Indigenous Resurgence

The rebuilding of Indigenous nations through the renewal of Indigenous values, languages, ceremonies, and land-based learning.

Aboriginal Nation Model of Government

A model recognizing Indigenous peoples as nations with inherent sovereignty and nation-to-nation relationships with Canada, rather than as municipal governments.