slim pickings Flashcards
R v. Powley
A Supreme Court case that recognized Métis people as having Aboriginal rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings
Core Anishinaabe teachings: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth.
The Medicine Circle/Wheel
A sacred symbol representing balance and wholeness. Includes four directions, seasons, elements, and aspects of life (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual).
Terra Nullius
The idea that colonialism only applies to territories separated by oceans from the colonizing state—used to deny settler colonialism in Canada.
Settler Colonialism
An ongoing structure where settlers come to stay and establish control, displacing Indigenous peoples and systems.
Contemporary Colonialism
Ongoing forms of domination, such as systemic racism and state control over Indigenous communities, even after formal colonization ended.
The Royal Proclamation of 1763
A British law recognizing Indigenous land rights and setting conditions for land cessions. Considered a foundational document in Aboriginal law.
Indian Agents
Government officials appointed to manage reserves, enforce the Indian Act, and control Indigenous lives.
The Indian Act
Federal law that governs all aspects of Indigenous life in Canada, including status, land, and governance—widely criticized as colonial and paternalistic.
Potlatch
A ceremonial gift-giving feast among Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples, banned by the Canadian government from 1885–1951.
Criminalization of Indigenous People
The overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system due to colonial policies, poverty, systemic racism, and displacement.
Risk Factors
Conditions that increase the likelihood of criminal behavior, such as poverty, trauma, family disruption, and lack of education—often shaped by colonialism for Indigenous peoples.
Child Welfare
Indigenous children are vastly overrepresented in child welfare systems—a continuation of colonial child removal (like residential schools and the Sixties Scoop).
Red Dress
A powerful symbol and art movement used to honor and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – Section 35
Recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in Canada.
The Oka Crisis
A 78-day standoff between Mohawk protestors and police/military over a land dispute in Quebec. Highlighted land rights and police violence.
British Columbia Treaty Commission (BCTC)
An independent body that facilitates treaty negotiations between First Nations and the provincial/federal governments.
Prevention Programming
Programs aimed at addressing root causes of crime (like trauma, poverty, addiction) to reduce future criminalization—especially for Indigenous youth.
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples
A major report calling for a renewed relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada, including self-governance and land restitution.
Macro Decolonization
Large-scale structural change, such as reforms to government institutions, laws, and education systems, that remove colonial foundations.
Micro Decolonization
Individual and interpersonal changes like unlearning internalized colonialism, healing trauma, and embracing Indigenous identity and knowledge.
Two-Eyed Seeing
A guiding principle developed by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall: the ability to see the strengths of Indigenous and Western knowledges together for mutual benefit.
What are some of the differences between Western Justice and Indigenous Justice? (punishments/goals/approaches)
Punishments:
Western Justice:
Focuses on punishment and retribution.
Emphasis on incarceration and criminal records.
Goal is often deterrence or removal of the offender from society.
Indigenous Justice:
Emphasizes healing, restoration, and community balance.
Focus on repairing harm to relationships rather than punishing the offender.
Uses traditional methods like circles, ceremonies, and community involvement.
Goals and Approaches:
Western:
Individual responsibility.
Adversarial approach (prosecution vs. defense).
Emphasis on legal precedent and codified laws.
Indigenous:
Collective responsibility and harmony.
Holistic approach that includes emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental well-being.
Oral tradition, Elders’ guidance, and consensus-based resolution.
What is restorative justice? Why is it important?
Definition:
A process where all stakeholders affected by harm come together to discuss how it happened, its impact, and how to repair the damage.
Importance:
Addresses root causes of harm (poverty, trauma, colonization).
Provides space for accountability, healing, and reintegration.
Reduces recidivism and builds stronger community relationships.
Aligns closely with Indigenous principles of justice and balance.
Efforts Inside the System:
Gladue Reports: Acknowledges colonial context in sentencing Indigenous offenders.
Restorative Justice Programs: Offered as alternatives to criminal trials or incarceration (especially for youth and first-time offenders).
Efforts Outside the System:
Community-led justice circles.
Indigenous-run restorative programs (e.g., healing lodges).
Advocacy and education pushing for systemic change and funding.
