Friday, June 16, 2017

Monchalin on Colonialism, Crime, and Canada's First Nations

Lisa Monchalin, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, has published The Colonial Problem: An Indigenous Perspective on Crime and Injustice in Canada with the University of Toronto Press. From the publisher:
The Colonial Problem: An Indigenous Perspective on Crime and Injustice in CanadaIndigenous peoples are vastly overrepresented in the Canadian criminal justice system. The Canadian government has framed this disproportionate victimization and criminalization as being an “Indian problem.” In The Colonial Problem, Lisa Monchalin challenges the myth of the “Indian problem” and encourages readers to view the crimes and injustices affecting Indigenous peoples from a more culturally aware position. She analyzes the consequences of assimilation policies, dishonoured treaty agreements, manipulative legislation, and systematic racism, arguing that the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the Canadian criminal justice system is not an Indian problem but a colonial one.
Some reviews of the book:

“Monchalin's timely and innovative book exposes ugly truths about Canada's 'colonial problem' in a comprehensive and compelling way. With a clear focus on the restoration of justice and harmony for Indigenous peoples, Monchalin provides pathways for reimagining and decolonizing current relationships via land-based resurgence, artistic resistance, community campaigns, and ultimately reclaiming the rebellious dignity of Indigenous nations and peoples. This is an important read for anyone seeking Indigenous perspectives on justice and the impacts of ongoing, shape-shifting colonization on Indigenous communities.” -Jeff Corntassel

“Written from an Indigenous perspective, comprehensive yet easy to read, and complete with discussion questions and activities, this book would be a useful classroom text for justice studies, sociology, Indigenous studies, political science, and history. Highly recommended!” -Rob Nestor

“This textbook is long overdue, brilliantly written, and filled with pertinent information that all Canadians and all Indigenous peoples need to know. Monchalin leaves no stone unturned. Understanding this text is key if we truly want to learn to 'live together in a good way' and move toward a 'just' society.” -Wenona Victor

Further information about the book is available here.