Complicated pathways: settler Canadians learning to re/frame themselves and their relationships with Indigenous peoples

Abstract

ABSTRACT The relationship between Indigenous peoples and settler society in Canada has been profoundly shaped and affected by the ongoing and insidious processes of settler colonialism operating within all spheres of mainstream life. Indigenous peoples, grassroots activists, universities, NGOs, church groups and governments have organized many initiatives to educate and provide information to settler Canadians about colonial histories and the contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples. This paper introduces a research project which draws together many such initiatives in a website Transforming Relations. Through an analysis of the compiled initiatives, the complexities of transforming settler consciousness in Canada are demonstrated and discussed. Shifting settler consciousness has complex layers that must be engaged in order to disrupt the settler colonial status quo. We conclude that many initiatives are focused on changing awareness or consciousness and may not go further to name contemporary manifestations of settler colonialism where settler Canadians are positioned as its beneficiaries. The paper reflects on the need for analysis to understand what kinds of spaces and pedagogies lead to the most substantial shifts in settler consciousness, and how to effectively generate conversations that center Indigenous lands, sovereignties and resurgence.