大象传媒

Congratulations to Michaela McGuire for an outstanding job defending her PhD thesis "Id 鈥榳aadluxan gud ad is 鈥榳agen uu id daagwiiyah ga: We are all together, then we are strong鈥�.

Abstract

A sense of belonging is a key human right (United Nations, 2007). Colonial, genocidal, and racist actions and legislation have impacted Indigenous Peoples鈥� identity and belonging. The Canadian state has used multiple methods to eradicate, assimilate, and legislate Nation-based identities. Canada鈥檚 Indian Act targeted identity and belonging, displacing thousands of Indigenous Peoples. These eliminatory actions are not just violations of human rights but crimes. Their prolonged, genocidal, destructive, and festering nature justify examination as a state crime.

Existing studies demonstrate that the Indian Act continues to impact Indigenous Peoples鈥� sense of identity and belonging. However, there is limited Nation-based research, framed within a decolonization lens, that considers identity displacement and belonging as state crime.

Accordingly, this interview-based qualitative research project employs a theoretical and methodological framework grounded in Haida values. Through semi-structured interviews with 42 Haida citizens, the following research questions (RQ) were examined: (1) What is the importance of a sense of belonging for the Haida? (1a) How do the Haida conceptualize belonging? (2) What role does a sense of belonging have in resurgence, governance, and self-determination? and (3) How have colonialism, genocide, and internalized racism resulting from colonial control over Indigenous identity impacted the Haida?

Data analysis resulted in eight themes that addressed the research questions. Belonging for the Haida is multifaceted and encompasses Haida Gwaii itself, as well as clan, lineage, culture, and language (RQ1). A deep sense of responsibility exemplifies the importance of belonging (RQ1). Participants emphasized the intergenerational and compounded impacts of colonial genocidal systems (residential and day schools, the Indian Act, and the child welfare system) and racism on their identity and sense of belonging (RQ3). The reverberation of these systems contributed to the internalization of racism and colonialism, exacerbating division among Haida (RQ3). These impacts need to be addressed to strengthen Nationhood and self-determination (RQ2). Together, the Haida Nation can work towards Tll Yahda making things right for those who do not feel like they belong or have been impacted by intergenerational displacement. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Michaela McGuire and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.