Author: Avi Abrams

Something to ponder The anti-potlatch law, implemented by the Canadian government in 1884 as a modification to the Indian Act, aimed to eliminate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and autonomy. The potlatch, a profoundly important ceremonial occasion among various Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest, especially the Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Nuu-chah-nulth peoples, served as a symbol of wealth distribution, social hierarchy, and governance. The legislation rendered potlatch and other...

Something to ponder The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act signifies a crucial advancement in the pursuit of Indigenous self-governance and land ownership in Canada. Ratified in 1996, the Framework Agreement permits First Nations to exempt themselves from 34 land-related provisions of the Indian Act, so granting them the autonomy to govern their lands and resources in accordance with their own laws and customs. The accord resulted in the establishment of the First Nations...

Something to ponder The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) was a very consequential investigation in Canadian history, initiated to tackle the intricate and enduring challenges confronting Indigenous peoples in Canada. Formed in 1991 following the Oka Crisis, the Commission was assigned the responsibility of examining the connection between Indigenous peoples, the Canadian government, and society at large. The 1996 final report presented a thorough examination of the past and...

Something to ponder Idle No More is a potent grassroots movement that originated in Canada in late 2012, calling for the rights of Indigenous peoples and the preservation of the environment. Driven by an increasing sense of immediacy regarding the Canadian government's legislative plans, including the contentious Bill C-45, Idle No More rapidly transformed into one of the most noteworthy campaigns led by Indigenous people in contemporary Canadian history. The situation has brought focus to...

Something to ponder The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is a significant global accord designed to safeguard the dignity, survival, and welfare of Indigenous populations across the globe. UNDRIP, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on September 13, 2007, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards to safeguard the rights of Indigenous peoples. These rights encompass land ownership, cultural preservation, self-governance, and...