Audio | “The Discovery of Democracy”: From being treated as “immigrant” in one’s native land to full participation – Canada

Democracy seems to be in peril. There are challenges to the idea of what a society should be, and who has the right to govern, as well as serious questions about the idea of shared values. Guests: John Ralston Saul, Doug Saunders, and Angela Sterritt.

Source: The Discovery of Democracy – Home | Ideas with Paul Kennedy | CBC Radio
Address: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/the-discovery-of-democracy-1.3481011?autoplay=true
Date Visited: Thu Mar 17 2016 19:52:08 GMT+0100 (CET)

An important programme that covers a wide range of perceptions and misconceptions in the context of democracy:

Listen to what Angela Sterritt has to say on the role of indigenous people and rights of women in Canadian society  (15:35 – 22:55).

The topics discussed include the legacy of colonial history, accountability vs. impunity in the face of grave human rights violations (worldwide); and how Canada’s tribal communities (“first nations”) used to be treated as “immigrants” in their own country until the 1960s; their aspirations like self-governance and access to human rights, the need for enforcing the rule of law, equal rights and participation in civic life.

Angela Sterritt
The Indigenous resilience witnessed in Canada today is a reflection of an unwavering determination to oppose assimilation and discrimination and keep distinct cultures alive for future generations, wave after wave. Each song, each dance, each language, and each traditional law flourishing today is a testament to the conquering of assimilation and the championing of self-determination.

Angela Sterritt  – Journalist. Writer. Artist
Source: BLOG | Angela Sterritt
Address: http://angelasterritt.com/blog/
Date Visited: Thu Mar 17 2016 20:17:44 GMT+0100 (CET)

First Nations

“First Nations people” refers to Status and non-status “Indian” peoples in Canada. Many communities also use the term “First Nation” in the name of their community. Currently, there are 617 First Nation communities, which represent more than 50 nations or cultural groups and 50 Aboriginal languages.

According to the 2011 National Household Survey, more than 1.4 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, or 4% of the population. 50% percent are registered Indians, 30% are Métis, 15% are non-status Indians and 4% are Inuit. Over half of Aboriginal people live in urban centres.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s (AANDC’s) responsibilities and its partnerships with First Nation people and communities range from negotiating land claim and self-government agreements to providing social services, education and economic development. These activities support AANDC‘s mandate and vision, and help to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nations people.

Source: First Nations
Address: https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013791/1100100013795
Date Visited: Thu Mar 17 2016 20:25:18 GMT+0100 (CET)

“Unreserved is the radio space for Indigenous voices – our cousins, our aunties, our elders, our heroes. Rosanna Deerchild guides us on the path to better understand our shared story. Together, we learn and unlearn, laugh and become gentler in all our relations.” | Listen to more episodes | Related posts >>

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