ANTHR 150 LECTURE 15

Race in Canada: History and Present

Overview of Race in Canada

• Lecture Title: Talking about Race in a ‘Colour-Blind’ Nation by Sandra Garvie-Lok.

Indigenous Definitions and Recognition

• Official System: Defined in the Canadian Charter (1982).

• Indigenous Peoples: Recognized as distinct groups due to historical significance as Canada’s First Peoples.

  • Terminology: 'Indian' is not used in Canada, whereas it is accepted in the USA.

  • Key Indigenous Representations:

    • Assembly of First Nations (AFN): Advocacy body for First Nations.

    • Inuit: Communities in Northern Canada, formally represented.

    • Métis: Represented by the Métis National Council (MNC).

Historical Context Before Colonialism

• Pre-colonial Canada: Diverse languages and social systems without a shared identity, which was imposed by European colonizers.

Motivations Behind Ignoring Indigenous Identities

• Categorization: Helped enforce the perception of Indigenous peoples as an 'other.'

• Erasure Strategy: Simplified diversity to better manage colonial interests.

European Colonial Expansion (1500s-1600s)

• Goals: Exploitation through resource extraction; focused more on profit than settlement initially.

• Alliance Formation: Resistance led to alliances with Indigenous groups; treaties established during this time.

• Colonial Power Struggles: French and English sought dominance through military and economic means.

Consolidation of British Power

Timeline of Events

• 1635: British victory in the French War leads to French subordination.

• 1783: Britain recognizes the USA's independence; increased European settlers in Canada.

• Patriarchal European Attitudes: Women were often treated as property, enforcing gender binaries.

• Racial Formation: Scholarly achievements were framed to uphold colonial narratives against Indigenous peoples.

Key Concepts of Racial Formation

• Racial Formation: Refers to how ruling powers define race and its membership, often institutionalized via laws and social portrayals.

Race in Canadian Census 2021

Racial Identification Questions

• Ethnic Origins: "What were the ethnic or cultural origins of this person's ancestors?" includes diverse identities.

• Indigenous Identity: Questions about identification as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit are crucial in recognizing official status.

• Census Categories: Include various classifications such as White, Black, South Asian, etc.

The ‘Official’ System of Indigenous Identity

Definitions of Indigenous Groups

• First Nations: Various languages and cultures with formal representation.

• Inuit: Associated with Inuit Nunangat; distinct communities with representation from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).

• Métis: Community born from mixed ancestry with unique language and cultural heritage, represented by the MNC.

Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Identity

• Pre-colonial Life: Varied ways of life disrupted by European categorization.

• Trade and Disease: Diseases introduced through colonization affected Indigenous populations.

Canadian Policies and Acts

Indian Act of 1876

• Control Over Indigenous Life: Government-controlled sphere over finances and administration of treaty benefits.

• Identity Definitions: Based on male ancestry; marriages outside the race could lead to loss of status.

Assimilation Policies

• Policies Enforced: Aimed to assimilate First Nations peoples through legislative tools like the Indian Act.

• Impact on Cultural Practices: Traditional governance systems replaced and gatherings prohibited.

Historical Consequences and Timelines

• Rights and Privileges: Voting rights for First Nations denied until 1960; reforms initiated but with restrictions.

• Residential School System: Designed to assimilate Indigenous children; profound negative psychological and cultural impacts observed.

Truth and Reconciliation Initiatives

Recognition of Past Wrongs

• Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1991): Aimed to assess relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, leading to influential recommendations.

• Indian Residential Schools Settlement: Acknowledged abuses and established compensation programs, shaping dialogues on healing and restoration.

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2007): Documented survivor experiences and proposed calls to action for reparations and acknowledgment of Indigenous histories.

Recent Developments and Awareness

• Unmarked Graves: Findings in 2021 drew attention to fatalities related to residential schools, renewing calls for justice.

Black Canadians and Race Relations

Historical Overview of African Presence

• Early Arrival: Africans present during colonial times, often facing severe discrimination and systemic inequality.

• Abolition of Slavery: Laws against slavery enacted in 1833 but did not ensure equal rights or treatment.

Race and Immigration Policies

• 19th Century Immigration: Preference for British Isles; restrictions with a gradual shift toward acceptance of other Europeans toward the late century.

• Legislative Changes: Segregation and exclusion of non-European groups characterized the immigration landscape.

Conclusion

• Ongoing Conversations: The racial formation in Canada continues to evolve, addressing historical injustices, institutional biases, and recognizing the contributions and existence of diverse racial identities.