Module 2 Flashcards
What is colonization?
An era of European expansion into overseas territories from the 16th to the mid-20th century and a process where a foreign power dominates and exploits an Indigenous sector.
How does Gerald Taiaiake Alfred define colonialism?
Colonialism is a theoretical framework for understanding the complex relationships between Indigenous peoples and Europeans, involving the development of institutions and policies by European imperial and Euroamerican settler governments.
What acronym can be used to remember the four fundamental aspects of colonization?
ROCA
What does ‘R’ in ROCA stand for?
Racism
What does ‘O’ in ROCA stand for?
Oppression
What does ‘C’ in ROCA stand for?
Cultural genocide
What does ‘A’ in ROCA stand for?
Assimilation
What is the 5 Stage Model of Colonization?
A framework to understand the status of Aboriginal people and their relationship with the State and other Canadians.
What is Stage 1 of the 5 Stage Model?
Steady State
What characterizes Stage 1: Steady State?
- Functional and sustainable societies
- Traditional world views and philosophies
- Healthy family structures
- Common/shared access to resources
What is Stage 2 of the 5 Stage Model?
First Encounter
What key economic activity characterized Stage 2?
The fur trade
What significant impact did foreign diseases have during Stage 2?
Depopulation and demoralization of Indigenous peoples
What is Stage 3 of the 5 Stage Model?
Imposition of Colonial Relations
What are key characteristics of Stage 3?
- Increased colonial presence
- Increased demand for land and resources
- Colonial economy shifts from trade to agriculture
- Aboriginal peoples viewed as obstacles to settlement
What significant legislation was developed during Stage 3?
Indian Act
What is Stage 4 of the 5 Stage Model?
Manifestation of Internalized Colonialism
What is a characteristic of Internalized Colonialism?
Economic marginalization of Aboriginal peoples
What is a notable consequence of colonization seen in Aboriginal societies?
Higher rates of incarceration and addiction issues
What is Stage 5 of the 5 Stage Model?
Decolonization
What does decolonization involve?
A return to traditional values and personal empowerment.
What is Bimaadiziwin?
A cultural tenet of Anishinaabe philosophy meaning the ‘good life’ or ‘worthwhile life.’
What does Bimaadiziwin emphasize?
Maintaining healthy lives and respectful relationships with the environment.
What are the seven ancestral teachings of Anishinaabe philosophy?
- Love
- Honesty
- Respect
- Bravery
- Truth
- Wisdom
- Humility
What is the basic social unit for most Indigenous groups in Saskatchewan?
Family
How does the Indigenous concept of family differ from the Western concept?
It includes immediate and extended family members and additional kinship groupings.
What is the basic unit of society for most Indigenous groups in Saskatchewan?
Family
The concept of family includes immediate and extended family members along with additional members of kinship groupings/networks.
How is the term ‘band’ defined in the context of Indigenous groups?
A kin group and the basic social and political unit after the family
Bands ranged in size from 50-1000 people and were closely-knit communities.
What are the three elements that define a band?
- Kin group
- Basic social and political unit
- Fluid membership
What is the leadership structure among First Nations?
Egalitarian and non-hierarchical
Decision making occurs by consensus, and Chiefs have influence based on qualities like generosity and wisdom.
What two types of authority exist in First Nations leadership?
- Civil authority (Civil Chiefs)
- Military authority (Warrior Chief)
True or False: In times of conflict, the Warrior Chief’s authority is subordinate to the Civil Chief.
False
Warrior Chief’s authority supersedes the Civil Chief during conflict.
What principle is critical in political diplomacy among Indigenous groups?
Alliance-making
Alliances create reciprocal relationships and obligations associated with kinship principles.
What does kinship represent in Indigenous societies?
An essential principle for social, political, and spiritual relationships
Kinship includes relationships with both humans and other-than-humans.
What does the Cree principle of Wahkotowin emphasize?
Kinship, relationship, and the interconnectedness of all creation
It stresses honoring and respecting relationships with all entities.
What role do children play in Indigenous communities?
They are seen as a gift from the Creator and the future of the group.
Who were the primary teachers of children in Cree communities?
The old people
They imparted cultural values and teachings through stories and daily activities.
In the circle teachings of Cree communities, who surrounds the children?
The old people and the women.
What is the role of men in the family structure among the Cree?
Providers and protectors of the family, community, and nation.
What is the significance of warrior societies among the Plains Cree?
Next to the Chief in prestige, they were responsible for policing the buffalo hunt and protecting the band.
What are Kihtockinikiwak?
Worthy Young Men known for bravery in warfare.
What is the primary responsibility of warriors in Indigenous societies?
To ensure the well-being of the community.
Fill in the blank: The concept of _______ refers to the idea that different categories depend on each other for balance.
[complementarity]
What misconception did early observers have about the roles of women in Indigenous societies?
They viewed women as drudges and beasts of burden.
What does the term ‘complementarity’ imply about gender roles?
Different categories depend on each other for distinctiveness and balance.
True or False: Gender roles among Indigenous peoples are rigid and unchanging.
False
There is fluidity in gender roles, with some women taking on roles as hunters and warriors.
What does Sharp challenge regarding Dene men’s dominance over women?
Sharp points out that men were dependent on women and that it was the complementarity of gender roles that empowered Dene women economically, politically, and otherwise.
What roles did Dene men and women play in their society?
Dene men produced raw materials through hunting, while women processed these materials by butchering the meat.
How should the interdependence between Dene men and women be understood?
It should not be equated with modern concepts of equality but viewed as a balance and harmony within the community.
What roles did women hold in some Indigenous communities?
Women served as Chiefs, selected leaders, and had the ability to take power away from Chiefs.
What was the consensus model in Indigenous communities?
An egalitarian structure that ensured the voices of both men and women were heard.
How did European contact affect Indigenous women’s autonomy?
European men viewed Indigenous women’s autonomy with disdain, leading to modifications in gender roles due to patriarchal values.
What is gender diversity in Indigenous communities?
Indigenous peoples recognized and respected gender diversity and sexual diversity within their communities.
What colonial processes affected Indigenous understandings of gender and sexual fluidity?
Indian Act regulations, Christian teachings, and residential schools obscured traditional knowledge and cultural understandings.
What term was historically used for males taking on female gender roles?
Berdache, which is now considered pejorative.
What are the culturally specific terms among the Lakota for gender diversity?
- Winkte (males taking on female roles)
- Double-Woman (females expressing masculine traits)
How were Winkte viewed in society?
Winkte were believed to have spiritual powers and artistic abilities, despite being considered a tragedy by parents.
What is the modern term used for gender diversity among Indigenous peoples?
Two-Spirit, recognized as a pan-Native North American term.
What is the significance of ceremonies in Indigenous culture?
Ceremonies express Indigenous worldview and beliefs, seeking health and maintenance of well-being.
What are some common ceremonies among Indigenous groups of Saskatchewan?
- Sun Dance
- Sweat Lodge
- Puberty ceremonies
- Vision quests
What is the purpose of medicine bundles in Indigenous spirituality?
They contain sacred objects and provide protective medicine or ceremonial items.
What role did medicine men and women play in Indigenous communities?
They were respected individuals with the ability to foretell the future, communicate with spirits, and treat illness.
What is the Midewiwin Society?
A religious institution among the Ojibwe known for specialized training and ritual healing practices.
How many levels of initiation exist in the Midewiwin Society?
At least four levels, with some groups having up to eight levels of initiation.
What is important to note about the diversity of spiritual practices among Indigenous peoples?
There was tremendous diversity, with differences between Plains and Woodlands peoples.
What is an example of a Trickster/Transformer figure in Indigenous storytelling?
Weseekachak among the Cree and Nanabush among the Anishinaabe.
What are the storytelling protocols for Saskatchewan First Nations?
Stories should not be told during summer months due to heightened spiritual activity.
What role do Elders and Old People have in Indigenous storytelling?
They carry important stories, teachings, and ceremonial protocols forward for each generation.
