Indigenous Studies Lecture Notes

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terminology, and significant cases related to Indigenous studies.

Decolonization Tree

A conceptual model that distinguishes levels of decolonization, such as macro and micro levels, using the metaphor of a tree.

Epistemological Racism

The privileging of Western ways of knowing while devaluing Indigenous or non-Western knowledge systems.

Macro Decolonization

System-wide changes aimed at dismantling colonial institutions, like overhauling national education systems.

Micro Decolonization

Individual or community-level efforts to resist and replace colonial influences, such as language revitalization.

Two-Eyed Seeing

An approach that integrates both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.

Restorative Justice

A justice approach focusing on healing and community involvement rather than punishment.

Legal Pluralism

The coexistence of multiple legal systems in one geographic area.

R v. Powley (2003)

A Supreme Court case recognizing the hunting rights of Métis people as distinct rights-holders.

Daniels v. Canada (2016)

A Supreme Court decision recognizing Métis and non-status Indians as 'Indians' under the Constitution Act.

Walking the Red Road

A metaphor for living a life grounded in Indigenous spirituality, values, and cultural integrity.

Circular Knowledge

An Indigenous way of understanding that emphasizes interconnectedness and non-linear thinking.

Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings

An Anishinaabe framework of values including Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth.

Medicine Wheel

A sacred symbol representing balance between physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace

The oral constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy, establishing principles of peace and governance.

Doctrine of Discovery

A principle of international law that justified European colonial claims to lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples.

Terra Nullius

Latin for 'nobody's land,' used to describe territory deemed unoccupied or unclaimed by colonial powers.

Salt-Water Thesis

A principle stating that colonies separated from the colonizing country are eligible for self-determination.

Settler Colonialism

A form of colonialism aiming to replace Indigenous populations with an invasive settler society.

Contemporary Colonialism

Modern forms of colonial practices that dominate Indigenous peoples despite the formal end of colonial rule.

Wampum Belts

Traditional sacred belts made by Indigenous peoples, serving as records of agreements and laws.

Royal Proclamation of 1763

A decree recognizing Indigenous land rights and prohibiting settlement without agreements.

Numbered Treaties

A series of treaties signed between the Canadian government and various Indigenous nations from 1871 to 1921.

Indian Agents

Government officials appointed to enforce federal policies on First Nations reserves.

Pass System

An unofficial policy requiring Indigenous peoples to obtain permission from an Indian agent to leave reserves.

Indian Act

A Canadian federal law governing matters pertaining to Indigenous peoples, often criticized for its colonial approach.

White Paper

A 1969 policy proposed to abolish the Indian Act and assimilate Indigenous peoples.

Davin Report

An 1879 report recommending the establishment of residential schools in Canada for Indigenous children.

Criminalization of Indigenous People

The disproportionate targeting of Indigenous individuals within the criminal justice system.

Risk Factors

Conditions associated with a higher likelihood of negative outcomes in Indigenous communities.

Attawapiskat

A remote First Nation community facing severe social challenges, including housing crises.

Child Welfare

Systems designed to protect children, historically overrepresented by Indigenous youth due to systemic biases.

Cycle of Crime

A repetitive pattern where individuals engage in crime, serve time, and re-offend.

Highway of Tears

A stretch of highway known for the high number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

National Public Inquiry into MMIWG

A Canadian inquiry investigating the causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

Red Dress

A symbol representing missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Section 35

Recognizes existing Aboriginal rights in Canada.

Sparrow Decision

A Supreme Court case affirming Indigenous fishing rights.

Van der Peet Test

A test to determine whether an activity constitutes an Aboriginal right.

Delgamuukw Decision

A Supreme Court decision clarifying the nature of Aboriginal title in Canada.

Oka Crisis

A standoff in 1990 over a land dispute involving Mohawk protesters.

Bill C-45

Legislation for attributing criminal liability to organizations for workplace safety violations.

Comprehensive Claims Policy

A federal policy addressing land claims where Aboriginal rights have not been settled.

2013 EYOF

A biennial multi-sport event for youth athletes from Europe.

James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA)

The first major modern land claims agreement in Canada, signed in 1975.

British Columbia Treaty Commission (BCTC)

An independent body facilitating treaty negotiations between Indigenous nations and Canada.

Starlight Tours

A practice of abandoning Indigenous people in remote areas during winter.

Indigenization of Policing

Efforts to make policing culturally appropriate and responsive to Indigenous communities.

Gladue Reports

Pre-sentencing reports considering systemic factors affecting Indigenous offenders.

Indigenization of the Correctional System

Reform of prisons to include Indigenous cultural practices for rehabilitation.

Seven Fires Prophecy

An Anishinaabe prophecy emphasizing unity and respect for the Earth.

Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP)

A five-year investigation into Indigenous and Canadian relations leading to a massive report.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

An international declaration affirming Indigenous rights to self-determination and land.

Prevention Programming

Community programs aimed at preventing crime and supporting at-risk groups.