Facing the challenge of freedom : Dene nationalism and the politics of cultural recognition
Date
2003
Authors
Coulthard, Glen Sean
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Abstract
Through an examination of relevant literature, this thesis explores the potential utility of "the politics of cultural recognition" for providing an alternative to the colonial relationship currently maintained between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state. I argue that while contemporary recognition-based models of liberal pluralism reflect an advance over Canada' s previous policy of non-recognition, unless they are willing to fully embrace the underlying political objectives that often constitute Indigenous peoples' demands for recognition - like the desire to determine their own cultural, economic and political development in a context free from colonial domination - then they will likely serve to legitimize the unjust structures of power that they aim to subvert. Consequently, I contend that the politics of cultural recognition must be willing to abandon its attempt at reconciling Indigenous nationhood with the existence of the Canadian capitalist state, for Indigenous groups often demand recognition for their cultural identities as a means of countering the exploitive nature of Canadian capitalist social and economic relations.