Overview

In this survey course, we introduce the concepts of internal colonialism, decolonization, and Aboriginal self-government. We also explore the impact of Canadian economic policies, with special emphasis on how resource exploitation and the extension of social services have affected northern Natives socially, culturally, politically, and economically. Finally, we discuss Aboriginal land claims, using case studies of claims that have been or are being settled, either through the courts or by negotiations. This survey includes an examination of the significance of a land-based economy to the establishment of effective and sustainable indigenous government.

Objectives

Indigenous Studies 205 is designed to provide students an opportunity to develop critical and analytical skills, and to acquire a basic understanding of some of the most important issues affecting contemporary Native people in Canada.

After completing this course, you will be able to

• Discuss the concepts "colonialism," "decolonization," and "Indian self-government."
• Compare the process of decolonization underway among Aboriginal peoples in other countries with that being undertaken by Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
• Assess the impact of Euro-Canadian-oriented modernization processes on the indigenous inhabitants of Canada's North.
• Describe and assess the responses of northern Aboriginal communities, and Aboriginal political organizations and leaders, to the Euro-Canadian-oriented social, cultural, economic, and political development processes imposed on the Aboriginal residents of the North.
• Discuss the history of Aboriginal land claims in Canada.
• Discuss several judicial opinions about Aboriginal land claims.

Outline

INST 205 is divided into three units, as follows:

Unit 1: Indian Government: Before and During Colonization

• Section 1: Precolonial Societies
• Section 2: Colonial Relationships
• Section 3: The Colonial Relationship in Canada: Treaty Making and Assimilation Laws
• Section 4: Contemporary Aboriginal Government
• Section 5: Decolonization in Other Countries

Unit 2: Aboriginal People in Northern Canada

• Section 1: Colonialism, Modernization, and Social Change Among the Inuit People
• Section 2: Resource Exploitation and the Extension of Government Services
• Section 3: Socioeconomic Issues

Unit 3: Aboriginal Land Claims

• Section 1: Comprehensive Land Claims
• Section 2: Specific Claims
• Section 3: Canadian Court Rulings

Evaluation

To receive credit for INST 205, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 per cent) and a minimum grade of 50 per cent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Frideres, James S., and Ren� R. Gadacz. Aboriginal Peoples in Canada, 6th ed. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 2001.

Getty, A. L., and Antoine S. Lussier (eds.). As Long as the Sun Shines and the Water Flows: A Reader in Canadian Native Studies. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1983.

Ponting, J. Rick (ed.). Arduous Journey: Canadian Indians
and Decolonization. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1986.

Williamson, Pamela, and John Roberts. First Nations Peoples, 2nd ed. Toronto: Emond Montgomery, 2004.

Other materials

The course materials also include a study guide, student manual, reading file, and forms.