UBC Theses and Dissertations

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UBC Theses and Dissertations

Nation-to-nation governance between Indigenous nations and the Canadian government Netherton, Corinna Lynn

Abstract

The research responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to identify the need for a nation-tonation relationship between Indigenous nations and the Canadian government. The research supports nation-to-nation relationships between Indigenous nations and the Canadian Government through four research questions: What constitutes a nation from an Indigenous perspective? What can be learned from Indigenous traditional governance constructs in terms of their uniqueness in the community in which they reside, and in terms of the local ecology? How can the rights of individual Indigenous communities be “recognized” according to section 35 of the Canada Act given the diversity among Indigenous nations? What governance process and framework can facilitate the “recognition” of the right to a nation-tonation relationship? The introductory chapters provide a contextual background outlining the main inquiry and the supporting research questions; contextualize indigenist theory as a social paradigm supporting the inquiry; and describe the indigenist mixed-method qualitative approach underlining the literature review and interview analysis. The findings and analysis cover decision-making roles in traditional governance and contemporary practice as well as in non- Indigenous governance models. The outcomes of findings propose new Indigenous nation-tonation frameworks including: conceptualizing an Indigenous nation; flexible leadership; an inclusive decision-making process supporting the diversity of nations; and treaty federalism in ‘recognition’ of Indigenous rights. The conclusion asserts an equitable relationship grounded in treaty federalism. Conclusions identify: a nation acts as an umbrella for the communities to safeguard iv traditional knowledge, language, culture, territory with self-determination; flexibility be maintained in design and leadership in consensus decision-making processes; the diversity of Indigenous nations be held inviolable; and Crown’s duty is to recognize existing rights and title to Indigenous lands in every relationship. As well, indigeneity is a new social paradigm situated in a collaborative decision-making process and is essential to combat social injustices towards Indigenous peoples as well as to respond to environmental crisis. Indigeneity must be considered in all Indigenous nation-to-nation governance relations with Canada to achieve what is best for seven generations in the future. Keywords: Consensus Process, Decolonization, Governance, Indigeneity, Reconciliation

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International