Colonising Identity: the Social, Cultural, Legal Political Intricacies of Becoming Métis-FR

Event Details:

Lynne Gouliquer, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology, Laurentian University, will present 'Colonising Identity: the Social, Cultural, Legal Political Intricacies of Becoming Métis' on Friday, Feb. 1 at 3:30 p.m. in Harriet Irving Library, Milhan Room, 100.

This is a free public event.

Métis peoples make up 35 per cent of Canada’s one and a half million Aboriginal people. Until recently, the Métis have lived in the shadows; an invisible and almost forgotten Indigenous people. They were never attributed Indian status nor the rights or protections conferred by this status. Despite recognition in the 1982 Constitution, it was not until 2003 (R. v. Powley) that Métis garnered a few Indigenous rights (e.g., hunting) in the Canadian courts. Most recently (in 2016), the supreme court ruled that Métis peoples are “Indians,” but only in the sense that they fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Arguably, these rulings are at once a blessing (we as Métis “exist” and we have rights) and an anathema (we must provide a “coloniser’s proof” of our own existence). These recent rulings leave Métis struggling within and often without a clear sense of identity, recognition, acceptance, and rights. The laws confer rights, the courts pass judgements, and through this process, construct a people. In this presentation, I provide an bird’s eye view of the history, culture, heritage, customs, and issues in the face of the colonial legal regime that shaped and continues to shape Métis identities and Canada’s understanding of Métis-ness. By doing so, I hope to expose and problematise Métis-ness as a means to better know the Métis people.

Lynne Gouliquer is an associate professor of Sociology at Laurentian University (Sudbury) and an Honorary Research Associate at the University of New Brunswick. Her research focuses on the sociology of organisations and marginalisation theory, as it applies to particular groups such as LGBT soldiers and their families, women firefighters, older adults living in place, and Métis peoples and their identity. She incorporates Indigenous knowledge and teachings into her life, teaching and research. She is a military veteran with 16 years of service. Lynne is Métis, and like her ancestors, travelled extensively and lived in many parts of Turtle Island. She was raised in the North-West Angle or Rainy River District in Northwestern Ontario where many of her family are still located. Treaty 3 (or North-West Angle Treaty or Paypom Treaty) is the only treaty in Canada that has a Métis (Half-breed) adhesion (i.e., Métis collectively negotiated and signed a treaty).

The presentation is jointly sponsored by the Department of Psychology & Sociology and the Faculty of Education.

Building: Harriet Irving Library

Room Number: 100 Milhan