History of First Nations Children in Settler Care
Introduction It is well established that First Nations peoples in what is now known as Canada have been subject to discriminatory and negligent treatment by the settler child welfare system. The imposition of this system upon First Nations kinship circles and communities is a relatively recent development, following decades of control and forced assimilation via […]
The Impact of Global Climate Change on Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Introduction “Canada and the world face a triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Dealing with these interlocking issues requires deep collaboration, and Indigenous partnerships are crucial.” -Mr. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have emphasized the importance of living in balance with the land, the […]
Indigenous Sign Language: History & Revitalization
Introduction The importance of the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance, and strengthening of Indigenous languages was highlighted by Canada’s passing of the Indigenous Languages Actin June 2019. The Act outlines the importance of Indigenous language rights, for both oral and signed languages, as a core part of Reconciliation. The use of Indigenous languages in First Nations settings […]
Beyond Federal Transfers: Renewing Indigenous Economies (Book Review)
Introduction A genuine interest in improving the well-being of Indigenous people in Canada and abroad calls for a commitment to critically analyzing and revising the current governance structures of Indigenous peoples and the effectiveness of the policies that emerge from this status quo. In Canada, for example, the critical living conditions of many Indigenous people […]
Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Introduction Indigenous Peoples’ cultural and spiritual practices, worldviews, and identities are inextricably linked with the lands and waters of their ancestral territories. Since time immemorial, intergenerational ecological knowledge of sustainable food harvesting practices enabled Indigenous people in Canada (as it is now known) to rely on traditional foods like wild meats, fish, and edible plants […]
History of Indigenous Resistance and Activism in Saskatchewan
Introduction With the imposition of settler-colonialism and Western instruments of control (such as the Constitution Act, 1867 and the Indian Act, 1876), sovereign Indigenous nations in what is now known as Canada historically became beholden to colonial-hegemonic power structures under Canadian rule. For Indigenous Peoples in Canada, this framework resulted in significant social, political, and […]
Indigenous Peoples and Type 2 Diabetes
Introduction “Diabetes mellitus” (DM) refers to a group of diseases, which includes Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Across the world, rates of DM are increasing. In 2021, it was reported that approximately 537 million individuals were affected by DM globally, constituting roughly 10.5% of the […]
Indigenous-Based Courts in Canada
Introduction The introduction of Indigenous-based courts in Canada is a significant development in terms of recognizing and incorporating Indigenous-based legal approaches into Canada’s non-Indigenous criminal justice system. However, at present no Indigenous group or First Nation can enact criminal laws in Canada. The shift towards full Indigenous self-governance has yet to be achieved within the […]
Systemic Discrimination and the Overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s Criminal Justice System
Introduction Overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in the federal and provincial criminal justice systems is a multifaceted issue caused by colonialism, socioeconomic marginalization, and systemic discrimination in policing and the court system. There are glaring issues that continue to negatively impact Indigenous Peoples in their interactions with Canada’s non-Indigenous criminal justice system. This blog explores the […]
The Ongoing Epidemic of HIV and the Disproportionate Burden Among Indigenous Populations in Canada
Introduction COVID-19 brought renewed attention to public health issues, such as sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs), which were markedly underreported during the pandemic. This underreporting is partly associated with a reduction in both demand and provision of services related to STBBIs, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV can affect anyone, regardless of age, […]