First Nations Sacred Sites in Canada's Courts

First Nations Sacred Sites in Canada's Courts
Author: Michael Lee Ross
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2005
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780774811309

The sacred sites of indigenous peoples are under increasing threat worldwide. The threat’s origin is traceable to state appropriation of control over their ancestral territories; its increase is fueled by insatiable demands on lands, waters, and natural resources. Because their sacred sites spiritually anchor their relationship with their lands, and because their relationship with their lands is at the core of their identities, threats to their sacred sites are effectively threats to indigenous peoples themselves. In recent decades, First Nations peoples of Canada, like other indigenous peoples, have faced hard choices. Sometimes, they have foregone public defence of their threatened sacred sites in order to avoid compounding disrespect and to grieve in private over the desecration and even destruction. Other times, they have mounted public protests – ranging from public information campaigns to on-the-ground resistance, the latter having occurred famously at Oka, Ipperwash, and Gustafsen Lake. Of late, they have also taken their fight to the courts. First Nations Sacred Sites in Canada’s Courts is the first work to examine how Canada’s courts have responded. Informed by elements of a general theory of sacred sites and supported by a thorough analysis of nearly a dozen cases, the book demonstrates not merely that the courts have failed but also why they have failed to treat First Nations sacred sites fairly. The book does not, however, end on a wholly critical note. It goes on to suggest practical ways in which courts can improve on their treatment of First Nations sacred sites and, finally, to reflect that Canada too has something profound at stake in the struggle of First Nations peoples for their sacred sites. Although intended for anthropologists, lawyers, judges, politicians, and scholars (particularly those in anthropology, law, native studies, politics, and religious studies), First Nations Sacred Sites in Canada’s Courts may be read with profit by anyone interested in the evolving relationship between indigenous peoples and the modern state.

First Nations Sacred Sites in Canada's Courts

First Nations Sacred Sites in Canada's Courts
Author: Michael Lee Ross
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2005
Genre: Electronic books
ISBN:

The sacred sites of indigenous peoples are under increasing threat worldwide. The threat’s origin is traceable to state appropriation of control over their ancestral territories; its increase is fueled by insatiable demands on lands, waters, and natural resources. Because their sacred sites spiritually anchor their relationship with their lands, and because their relationship with their lands is at the core of their identities, threats to their sacred sites are effectively threats to indigenous peoples themselves. In recent decades, First Nations peoples of Canada, like other indigenous peoples, have faced hard choices. Sometimes, they have foregone public defence of their threatened sacred sites in order to avoid compounding disrespect and to grieve in private over the desecration and even destruction. Other times, they have mounted public protests – ranging from public information campaigns to on-the-ground resistance, the latter having occurred famously at Oka, Ipperwash, and Gustafsen Lake. Of late, they have also taken their fight to the courts. First Nations Sacred Sites in Canada’s Courts is the first work to examine how Canada’s courts have responded. Informed by elements of a general theory of sacred sites and supported by a thorough analysis of nearly a dozen cases, the book demonstrates not merely that the courts have failed but also why they have failed to treat First Nations sacred sites fairly. The book does not, however, end on a wholly critical note. It goes on to suggest practical ways in which courts can improve on their treatment of First Nations sacred sites and, finally, to reflect that Canada too has something profound at stake in the struggle of First Nations peoples for their sacred sites. Although intended for anthropologists, lawyers, judges, politicians, and scholars (particularly those in anthropology, law, native studies, politics, and religious studies), First Nations Sacred Sites in Canada’s Courts may be read with profit by anyone interested in the evolving relationship between indigenous peoples and the modern state.

Canadian Cases in the Philosophy of Law - Fifth Edition

Canadian Cases in the Philosophy of Law - Fifth Edition
Author: Keith C. Culver
Publisher: Broadview Press
Total Pages: 426
Release: 2018-05-15
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1460406451

This is a collection of Canadian legal decisions, primarily from the Supreme Court of Canada, along with international cases that have bearing on Canadian law. The selected cases raise and respond to current and controversial issues in political and legal philosophy. Cases have been edited to present key legal principles and methods of judicial reasoning in action, showing not only what was decided but also how the decisions were made. Topics include: constitutional law, fundamental freedoms, equality rights, civil and criminal responsibility, and sovereignty. This new fifth edition adds over two dozen new cases, including new sections on Indigenous issues and international law. A helpful glossary of common legal terms has also been added as an appendix.

Environmental Conflict and Democracy in Canada

Environmental Conflict and Democracy in Canada
Author: Laurie E. Adkin
Publisher: UBC Press
Total Pages: 389
Release: 2010-01-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 077485880X

The urgent need to resolve conflicts over forests, fisheries, farming practices, urban sprawl, and greenhouse-gas reductions, among many others, calls for a critical rethinking of the nature of our democracy and citizenship. This work aims to move the ideas of green democracy and ecological citizenship from the margins to the centre of discussion and debate in Canada. Environmental Conflict and Democracy in Canada offers sixteen case studies to demonstrate that environmental conflicts are always about our rights and responsibilities as citizens as well as the quality of our democratic institutions. By bringing together environmental politics and democratic theory, this path-breaking collection charts a new course for research and activism, one that reveals the deficits of citizenship and how democracy must be extended to achieve a socially just, ecologically sustainable society.

Traditional, National, and International Law and Indigenous Communities

Traditional, National, and International Law and Indigenous Communities
Author: Marianne O. Nielsen
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
Total Pages: 225
Release: 2020-05-05
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0816541302

This volume of the Indigenous Justice series explores the global effects of marginalizing Indigenous law. The essays in this book argue that European-based law has been used to force Indigenous peoples to assimilate, has politically disenfranchised Indigenous communities, and has destroyed traditional Indigenous social institutions. European-based law not only has been used as a tool to infringe upon Indigenous human rights, it also has been used throughout global history to justify environmental injustices, treaty breaking, and massacres. The research in this volume focuses on the resurgence of traditional law, tribal–state relations in the United States, laws that have impacted Native American women, laws that have failed to protect Indigenous sacred sites, the effect of international conventions on domestic laws, and the role of community justice organizations in operationalizing international law. While all of these issues are rooted in colonization, Indigenous peoples are using their own solutions to demonstrate the resilience, persistence, and innovation of their communities. With chapters focusing on the use and misuse of law as it pertains to Indigenous peoples in North America, Latin America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, this book offers a wide scope of global injustice. Despite proof of oppressive legal practices concerning Indigenous peoples worldwide, this book also provides hope for amelioration of colonial consequences.

Recovering Canada

Recovering Canada
Author: John Borrows
Publisher: University of Toronto Press
Total Pages: 332
Release: 2002-01-01
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9780802085016

John Borrows suggests how First Nations laws could be applied by Canadian courts, and tempers this by pointing out the many difficulties that would occur if the courts attempted to follow such an approach.

First Nations Cultural Heritage and Law

First Nations Cultural Heritage and Law
Author: Catherine Bell
Publisher: UBC Press
Total Pages: 541
Release: 2009-01-01
Genre: Law
ISBN: 077485846X

First Nations Cultural Heritage and Law explores First Nations perspectives on cultural heritage and issues of reform within and beyond Western law. Written in collaboration with First Nation partners, it contains seven case studies featuring indigenous concepts, legal orders, and encounters with legislation and negotiations; a national review essay; three chapters reflecting on major themes; and a self-reflective critique on the challenges of collaborative and intercultural research. Although the volume draws on specific First Nation experiences, it covers a wide range of topics of concern to Inuit, Metis, and other indigenous peoples.

Protection of First Nations Cultural Heritage

Protection of First Nations Cultural Heritage
Author: Catherine Bell
Publisher: UBC Press
Total Pages: 463
Release: 2009-05-01
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0774858591

Indigenous peoples around the world are seeking greater control over tangible and intangible cultural heritage. In Canada, issues concerning repatriation and trade of material culture, heritage site protection, treatment of ancestral remains, and control over intangible heritage are governed by a complex legal and policy environment. This volume looks at the key features of Canadian, US, and international law influencing indigenous cultural heritage in Canada. Legal and extralegal avenues for reform are examined and opportunities and limits of existing frameworks are discussed. Is a radical shift in legal and political relations necessary for First Nations concerns to be meaningfully addressed?

Aboriginal Title and Indigenous Peoples

Aboriginal Title and Indigenous Peoples
Author: Louis A. Knafla
Publisher: UBC Press
Total Pages: 280
Release: 2011-01-01
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0774859296

Delgamuukw. Mabo. Ngati Apa. Recent cases have created a framework for litigating Aboriginal title in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The distinguished group of scholars whose work is showcased here, however, shows that our understanding of where the concept of Aboriginal title came from – and where it may be going – can also be enhanced by exploring legal developments in these former British colonies in a comparative, multidisciplinary framework. This path-breaking book offers a perspective on Aboriginal title that extends beyond national borders to consider similar developments in common law countries.

Indigenous Legal Traditions

Indigenous Legal Traditions
Author: Law Commission of Canada
Publisher: UBC Press
Total Pages: 189
Release: 2008
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0774855770

The essays in this book present important perspectives on the role of Indigenous legal traditions in reclaiming and preserving the autonomy of Aboriginal communities and in reconciling the relationship between these communities and Canadian governments. Although Indigenous peoples had their own systems of law based on their social, political, and spiritual traditions, under colonialism their legal systems have often been ignored or overruled by non-Indigenous laws. Today, however, these legal traditions are being reinvigorated and recognized as vital for the preservation of the political autonomy of Aboriginal nations and the development of healthy communities.