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:
Indigenous 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.
