Right and Resistance: Norms, Interests and Indigenous Direct Action in Canada

Abstract

Direct mobilization of indigenous peoples, involving protests, blockades and occupations, plays a prominent role in Canadian political life, but has to date been subject to limited explanatory social science. This article examines two high-profile flashpoint events, both involving sustained physical occupations of disputed territory by indigenous peoples, in light of the theoretical debate between instrumental and normative explanations for ethnonational group mobilization. The behaviour of indigenous protesters does not suggest a material or political cost–benefit calculus—as instrumentalism predicts—but rather an ongoing, dynamic evaluation of the legitimacy and righteousness of contentious action. This ‘calculus of right’ reflects the Weberian notion of value rationality—political action that is selected for its intrinsic rather than instrumental value to participants. The concept of ‘calculus of right’ is proposed for future scrutiny in studies of nationalist mobilization.