scholarly journals Indigenous Environmental Justice and Sustainability: What Is Environmental Assimilation?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8382
Author(s):  
Stephen R. J. Tsuji
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Child Welfare Agencies ◽  
Nations People ◽  
Indigenous Children ◽  
The Sixties ◽  
History Of ◽  
First Nations People ◽  
Welfare Agencies

Canada has a long history of assimilative efforts with respect to Indigenous peoples. Legal assimilation efforts occurred on two fronts: the voluntary and involuntary enfranchisement of First Nations people, and the dissolution of First Nations reserve lands. Cultural assimilation occurred through the residential school system, and the removal of Indigenous children from their homes by Canadian child welfare agencies in the “sixties scoop”. Another form of assimilation is through environmental assimilation. I define environmental assimilation as changes to the environment through development, to the extent whereby the environment can no longer support Indigenous cultural activities. Herein, I examine environmental assimilation in northern Ontario, Canada. The “taken-up” clause in Treaty No. 9, the “Exemption Orders” in the Far North Act, the “Except” stipulation in the Mining Amendment Act, and the unilateral streamlining of projects in the Green Energy Act and the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act—these pieces of legislation pose threats to the environment and serve to facilitate the reality of contemporary environmental assimilation of First Nations.

First Nations’ Survivance and Sovereignty in Canada during a Time of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-100
Author(s):  
Robyn K. Rowe ◽  
Julia Rowat ◽  
Jennifer D. Walker
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Scarlet Fever ◽  
Nations People ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
History Of ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
First Nations People

First Nations people in Canada have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate persistent and resilient cultural, linguistic, and traditional endurance: survivance. The devastation resulting from centuries of health pandemics such as smallpox, influenza, cholera, tuberculosis, measles, and scarlet fever reinforce the ongoing resilience of First Nations people, cultures, and traditions in Canada. Despite the history of pandemic-related trauma and a myriad of social, political, environmental, and health challenges, as well as the added burden that COVID-19 is placing on the healthcare system in Canada, First Nations’ organizations and leadership are enacting their inherent rights to sovereignty and governance. While First Nations are bracing for the expected negative impacts of COVID-19, they are doing so in ways that respect and honor their histories, cultures, languages, and traditions. First Nations are acting to protect some of the most vulnerable people in their communities including elders, knowledge keepers, and storytellers who carry with them irreplaceable traditional and cultural knowledges.

scholarly journals Feasibility and Outcomes of a Community-Based Taper-to-Low- Dose-Maintenance Suboxone Treatment Program for Prescription Opioid Dependence in a Remote First Nations Community in Northern Ontario

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Mae Katt ◽  
Claudette Chase ◽  
Andriy V. Samokhvalov ◽  
Elena Argento ◽  
Jürgen Rehm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Opioid Dependence ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Prescription Opioid ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Nations People ◽  
First Nations People

<p>Objective: Non-medical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) is a major health problem in North America and increasingly prevalent among First Nations people. More than 50% of many Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities in northern Ontario report NMPOU, resulting in extensive health and social problems. Opioid substitution therapy (OST) is the most effective treatment for opioid dependence yet is unavailable in remote First Nations communities. Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) specifically has reasonably good treatment outcomes for prescription opioid (PO) dependence. A pilot study examining the feasibility and outcomes of a community-based Suboxone taper-to-low-dose-maintenance program for PO-dependent adults was conducted in a small NAN community as a treatment option for this particular setting.</p><p>Design: Participants (N = 22, ages 16–48 years) were gradually stabilized on and tapered off Suboxone (provided on an outpatient and directly-observed basis) over a 30-day period. Low dose maintenance was offered post-taper to patients with continued craving and relapse risk; community-based aftercare was provided to all participants. Results: Of 22 participants, 21 (95%) completed the taper phase of the program. Fifteen (88%) of 17 participants tested by urine toxicology screening had no evidence of PO use on day 30. No adverse side effects were observed. All but one of the taper completers were continued on low-dose maintenance. Conclusion: Community-based Suboxone taper-to-low-dose-maintenance is feasible and effective as an initial treatment for PO-dependence in remote First Nations populations, although abstinence is difficult to achieve and longer term maintenance may be required. More research on OST for First Nations people is needed; existing OST options, however, should be made available to First Nations communities given the acute need for treatment.</p>

scholarly journals Implementing participatory research within a northern Ontario First Nations community

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Zupo
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Participatory Evaluation ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Nations People ◽  
First Nations People ◽  
Nations Community

Participatory evaluation research (PER) is a research method that promotes decolonization among remote First Nations communities. Traditional methods of research have marginalized First Nations people while advancing western knowledge. As colonization worked to expunge First Nations cultural values from western mainstream knowledge, PER constructs new meaning derived from First Nations world perspectives. The present study explores the initial stages of implementing PER in a remote northern Ontario First Nations community. Community members are invited to form a research team to evaluate the outcomes of services available within the community. All levels of Canadian government are encouraged to embrace PER as a tactic for reducing racism so deeply rooted in policy.

Abandoned Mid-Canada Radar Line sites in the Western James region of Northern Ontario, Canada: A source of organochlorines for First Nations people?

2006 ◽  
Vol 370 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 452-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard J.S. Tsuji ◽  
Bruce C. Wainman ◽  
Ian D. Martin ◽  
Jean-Philippe Weber ◽  
Celine Sutherland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Nations People ◽  
First Nations People

scholarly journals Voice of a Leader: If you Truly Believe Children are our Future - the Future is Now!

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne Christian
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Government Policy ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
State Policies ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Indian Children ◽  
Nations People ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Government ◽  
First Nations People

This paper is based on a speech by Chief Wayne Christian the Co-keynote speaker for the “Gathering and Sharing Wisdom Conference” held in Victoria BC October 6th & th, 2010. He shares the history of his community, their children and how state policies, legislation and laws have affected a way of life for his people. He illustrates through narrative the importance of re-learning our cultural practices. Chief Christian begins his account by quoting a historical approach remembered by many Indigenous people in which the government policy of the day sought to “Kill the Indian in the Child.” Chief Christian noted that First Nations people have resisted this policy, but importantly, he discussed how balance can be restored today for Indian children.

scholarly journals Implementing participatory research within a northern Ontario First Nations community

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Zupo
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Participatory Evaluation ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Nations People ◽  
First Nations People ◽  
Nations Community

Participatory evaluation research (PER) is a research method that promotes decolonization among remote First Nations communities. Traditional methods of research have marginalized First Nations people while advancing western knowledge. As colonization worked to expunge First Nations cultural values from western mainstream knowledge, PER constructs new meaning derived from First Nations world perspectives. The present study explores the initial stages of implementing PER in a remote northern Ontario First Nations community. Community members are invited to form a research team to evaluate the outcomes of services available within the community. All levels of Canadian government are encouraged to embrace PER as a tactic for reducing racism so deeply rooted in policy.

2. Dispossessions

2020 ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
Donald Wright
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Land Rights ◽  
Residential Schools ◽  
Land Sharing ◽  
Cultural Genocide ◽  
Nations People ◽  
Indian Act ◽  
Indigenous Children ◽  
First Nations People

‘Dispossessions’ covers the exploitation of Indigenous Canadians who saw the treaties they signed as land-sharing agreements while the European settlers interpreted them as selling the land outright. Groups with no treaties, like the European-Indigenous Metis, were particularly vulnerable. Residential schools for Indigenous children provided opportunities, but also played a part in cultural genocide. The Indian Act, an attempt to solve the problem on the government’s terms, dictated who could identify as Indian. Some communities and individuals have succeeded in reclaiming their land, rights, and histories, but life is still challenging for many Indigenous or First Nations people.

scholarly journals Canada’s history of failing to provide medical care for Indigenous children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakhshan Kamran
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Current Status ◽  
House Of Commons ◽  
Canadian Government ◽  
Indigenous Children ◽  
History Of ◽  
Services And Supports

Abstract In December 2007, the House of Commons unanimously supported Jordan’s Principle, a commitment that all First Nations children would receive the health care products, social services, and supports, and education they need, in memory of Jordan River Anderson. However, the process of applying for Jordan’s Principle was convoluted and not transparent, leaving several cases not being responded to. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found the definition and implementation of Jordan’s Principle to be racist and discriminatory in 2016, ordering the Canadian government to make immediate changes. Failing to make changes to Jordan’s Principle, the Canadian government was found to be noncompliant with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders in 2018. This article provides one case example of Jordan’s Principle that was not responded to, details on the current status of Jordan’s Principle, and information on the recent implementation of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

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