Beyond Blood: Rethinking Indigenous Identity
with Pam Palmater
Today, there is a new wave of colonization and dispossession that is happening under the protective veil of reconciliation — the appropriation of Indigenous identities by non-Indigenous peoples. While there have been famous instances throughout history of non-Indigenous peoples fraudulently assuming Indigenous identities to further their fame or fortune, never have we seen a wave of identity appropriation as we have in the last decade. In this lecture we will consider the significant differences between Indigenous peoples who have been disconnected from their Nations due to Canada’s genocidal laws and policies versus the growing trend of opportunistic identity appropriation by non-Indigenous peoples and the threat it presents to First Nations trying to rebuild their Nations.
Pam Palmater
Dr. Pamela Palmater is a Mi’kmaw lawyer, professor, author, and social justice activist from Eel River Bar First Nation in New Brunswick. She is currently Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University. She has worked tirelessly on First Nation issues for over 30 years on a wide range of issues, such as socio-economic conditions, Aboriginal and treaty rights, and legislation impacting First Nations. Pam was one of the spokespeople and public educators for the Idle No More movement and advocates alongside other movements focusing on social justice and human rights.