Control of Political Space In The Canadian North: An Analysis Of Contemporary Colonialism

Abstract

<p> The conflict between native people and resource development in the Canadian north is considered within the framework of a colonial model of development. It is hypothesized that the origins of contemporary land use conflicts in the north can be attributed to the colonization of native people, and that the growing discontent among native people can be viewed as a response to the perpetuation of their colonial status. </p> <p> Two phases in the historical relationship between native people and the Canadian government, traditional colonialism and nee-colonialism, are defined and the impacts of these forms of colonialism upon native people, and their role in the future development of the north, are examinedo Alternative native responses to colonial status are identified and each option is discussed in terms of its likelihood as a choice and the effects of that choice upon the native community. Government control over native people is identified as a major constraint on response choice. Various means of government control and their effectiveness are considered. </p> <p> Two alternatives are presented for the future control of political space in northern Canada: continuation of colonial domination or increasing control by natives. It is concluded, on the basis of recent experiences in native communities, that increasing control by natives is the only means through which the political and socio-economic status of native people will be improved. </p>