Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies

Vocabulary flashcards for studying key concepts in Canadian Indigenous Studies.

Decolonization

The process of deconstructing colonial ideologies and acknowledging other ways of knowing.

Indigenization

The addition of Indigenous elements to practices, going beyond tokenism to promote equity.

Worldview

The perspective from which an individual or culture perceives the world.

Kinship

The relationship between individuals that is often based on blood, marriage, or other social ties.

Cultural oppression

The systematic undermining of a culture’s values, practices, and identity.

Meritocracy

The belief that success is based on individual merit, often critiqued in discussions of inequality.

Essentialism

The belief that certain traits or characteristics are essential and inherent to a group.

Positionality

An individual's social positioning, affecting their perspective based on background, identity, and experiences.

Tokenism

The practice of making only a perfunctory effort to be inclusive to marginalized groups.

Ethnogenesis

The process of a group of people developing a new ethnic identity.

Indian Act

A Canadian law that governs registered Indigenous peoples, including defining 'Indian' and regulating many aspects of their lives.

Powley decision

A 2003 ruling affirming the Metis' rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act.

Royal Proclamation of 1763

A document establishing British jurisdiction over Indigenous lands and outlining terms for land acquisition.

Residential schools

Institutions aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into European culture through educational programs.

Jordan's principle

A child-first principle ensuring Indigenous children receive public services without delay.

Structural oppression

A form of oppression built into the societal structures, disadvantaging certain groups.

Human flagpoles

A term describing Indigenous individuals used for display purposes to illustrate conformity or assimilation.

Social determinants of health

The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect health outcomes.

Self-determination

The right of peoples to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

Scrip

A certificate issued to Metis people as a form of land grant entitling them to certain rights.

Cognitive dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced by a person when holding contradictory beliefs or values.

Covenant

A formal agreement or treaty between groups, particularly regarding land and resource use.

Resilience

The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; a form of toughness in communities.

Resistance

The act of opposing or standing firm against authority or control.

Colonization

The process of settling among and establishing control over Indigenous lands and peoples.

Tribal law

Customary law based on the specific social structures and needs of Indigenous tribes.

Settler colonialism

A form of colonialism that seeks to replace the original population of a colonized territory.

Aksak

An elder or respected wise person in Indigenous communities.

Decolonial practices

Actions aimed at resisting colonial structures and restoring Indigenous ways of life.

Intergenerational trauma

Psychological harm caused by traumatic experiences that are passed down through generations.

Ethical space

A shared space for dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, respecting both cultural frameworks.

Fur trade

The historical exchange of fur and goods between Indigenous peoples and European settlers.

Social justice

The view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.

Cultural appropriation

The unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the practices, customs, or ideas of one culture by members of another.

Transcendentalism

A philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of individual intuition and spirituality.

Environmental justice

The movement for fair treatment of all people regardless of race or income in environmental policies.

Access to land

The right or ability of individuals or communities to use, manage, or control land resources.

Communal land ownership

A traditional form of land tenure whereby land is owned collectively by a group.

Anishinaabe

A group of culturally related Indigenous peoples located throughout the northern Midwest of North America.

Cultural resurgence

The revitalization and revitalization of Indigenous cultures in modern contexts.

Political advocacy

Active support for a cause or policy in political contexts.

Systemic racism

Structural discrimination against a particular racial group, often embedded in policies and practices.

Aboriginal rights

Rights that exist because of the special relationship Indigenous peoples have with their land and traditions.

Bilateral treaties

Agreements made between two sovereign entities regarding mutual interests.

Cultural sustainability

The practice of promoting and protecting cultural diversity while ensuring its transmission to future generations.

Economic self-sufficiency

The ability of a community or nation to sustain itself economically without reliance on external resources.

Social equity

Fairness in social policy that ensures all individuals have equal access to opportunities.

Native title

Recognition in law of the rights of Indigenous peoples to their traditional lands.

Environmental stewardship

Responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

Cultural diplomacy

The use of culture as a tool to establish international relations and collaboration.

Community engagement

The process by which organizations and institutions involve individuals and communities in decision-making.

Traditional ecological knowledge

A body of knowledge built from generations of experience and observation of local natural resources.

Holistic health

A health approach that considers the whole person (mental, social, physical, and spiritual).

Cultural identity

The feeling of belonging to a group based on shared values, traditions, and practices.

Matriarchy

A social system in which females hold primacy over males in roles of leadership, social organization, and property.

Critical pedagogy

An educational approach that encourages students to question and challenge domination, and the beliefs and practices that dominate.

Apology frameworks

Structures through which acknowledging past wrongdoings fosters healing and reconciliation.

Intercultural dialogue

An open and respectful exchange of views between individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

Cultural representation

The portrayal of a culture in various media forms, critical for maintaining visibility and agency.

Power imbalance

Disparities in power among individuals or groups, affecting access to resources, decision-making, and control.

Indigenous governance

Self-governance models based on Indigenous values, traditions, and practices.

Framework of reconciliation

An approach guaranteeing that the path towards acknowledging past injustices continues to foster active healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Educational equity

Ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their background.

Cultural narrative

The stories and myths that shape cultural identity, community values, and historical understanding.

Civic engagement

Participation in public life, including voting, activism, and community service.

Social cohesion

The bonds that bring society together, critical for community resilience and support systems.

Mediation

A facilitated negotiation process to resolve conflicts and disputes.

Activism

The vigorous campaigning in favor of or against a particular cause to bring about social change.

Non-interference

A principle in Indigenous cultures emphasizing respect for autonomy and minimal intrusion in others' lives.

Community resilience

The ability of a community to adapt and thrive despite challenges.

Historical continuity

The connection between past and present contexts, crucial for understanding contemporary Indigenous issues.