
Canada and Colonialism
An Unfinished History
Jim Reynolds(Author)
University of British Columbia Press
Published on 15. May 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
328 pages
978-0-7748-8094-7 (ISBN)
Description
Colonialism endures in Canada today. Dismantling it requires an understanding of how colonialism operated across the British Empire and why Canada's colonial experience was unique.
Whereas colonies such as India were ruled through despotism and violence, Canada's white settler population governed itself while oppressing the Indigenous peoples whose lands they were on. Canada and Colonialism shows that Canadians' support for colonial rule - both at home and abroad - is the reason colonialism remains entrenched in Canadian law and society today.
Author Jim Reynolds presents a truly compelling account of Canada's colonial coming of age and its impacts on Indigenous peoples, including the settler-led internal colonialism behind the Indian Act and those who enforced it. As one of the nation's leading experts in Aboriginal law, Reynolds provides a vital accounting of the historical underpinnings and contemporary challenges the nation must address to reconcile with Indigenous peoples and move toward decolonization.
Whereas colonies such as India were ruled through despotism and violence, Canada's white settler population governed itself while oppressing the Indigenous peoples whose lands they were on. Canada and Colonialism shows that Canadians' support for colonial rule - both at home and abroad - is the reason colonialism remains entrenched in Canadian law and society today.
Author Jim Reynolds presents a truly compelling account of Canada's colonial coming of age and its impacts on Indigenous peoples, including the settler-led internal colonialism behind the Indian Act and those who enforced it. As one of the nation's leading experts in Aboriginal law, Reynolds provides a vital accounting of the historical underpinnings and contemporary challenges the nation must address to reconcile with Indigenous peoples and move toward decolonization.
Reviews / Votes
"Essential reading and reference source."- Books for School (49th Shelf) "Reynolds' book conveys a message that Canadians should hear and act upon."
- Robin Fisher (The BC Review) "This is not a book of mere academic interest: it is driven by a deeply held commitment to ensure that all Canadians, particularly those of settler background, understand the ways in which colonialism has not only shaped but also inhibited movement towards meaningful reconciliation."
- Andrew Buck, University of Victoria (BC Studies)
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Vancouver
Canada
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
35 b&w photos, 23 illus.
Dimensions
Height: 226 mm
Width: 150 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
431 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7748-8094-7 (9780774880947)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jim Reynolds spent over four decades serving as legal counsel to First Nations in Canada, including thirteen years as general counsel for the Musqueam Band. Now retired from active practice, he writes on colonialism and Aboriginal law in Canada. He holds a PhD from the London School of Economics, where he also taught. His most recent books include Aboriginal Peoples and the Law: A Critical Introduction and From Wardship to Rights: The Guerin Case and Aboriginal Law. He lives in Vancouver, BC.
Content
Introduction
1 Historical Overview
2 The Essentials of the Empire
3 Self-Rule and Despotism
4 The Rulers and Their Rule
5 Canadian Participation in the Empire
6 Internal Colonialism in Canada
7 Independence, Self-Government, and Reconciliation
Conclusion
Notes; Suggestions for Further Reading; Index
1 Historical Overview
2 The Essentials of the Empire
3 Self-Rule and Despotism
4 The Rulers and Their Rule
5 Canadian Participation in the Empire
6 Internal Colonialism in Canada
7 Independence, Self-Government, and Reconciliation
Conclusion
Notes; Suggestions for Further Reading; Index