Understanding how proximal, intermediate, and distal determinants of Indigenous peoples’ health in Canada, relate to the physical and mental health of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, can shed light on how to allocate health-related resources to address well documented health disparities in these groups. This dissertation contributes to the literature by addressing two population-level quantitative research questions pertaining to Indigenous peoples’ physical and mental health, and a qualitative case study examining what factors maintain and improve Indigenous community health workers’ mental wellness and access to mental health supports. First, this thesis establishes a link between being Indigenous and health-related quality of life using multivariate regressions, as well as decomposition techniques. Second, the relationship between having an ancestor who survived the Residential School System, and five physical and mental health outcomes, controlling for determinants of health are estimated using multivariate ordered logistic and logistic regressions. Third, given that Indigenous self-government is an important determinant of health and wellbeing, an explanatory single-case study design is used to explore what factors maintain and improve, or create barriers to mental wellness and access to mental health supports for Indigenous community health workers in an Indigenous-governed health system. These chapters build on each other, and use a variety of methodological approaches, to identify if and to what degree observable determinants of health account for the physical and mental health of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. Substantively, this thesis evaluates empirically, the relationship between determinants of health and health outcomes for Indigenous peoples. Findings could be used to advocate for adequate and sustained investment in programs and services responsive to the contexts and needs of Indigenous men and women living in Canada. Methodologically, novel applications of statistical/econometric methodologies, furthers understanding of quantitative relationships examined with respect to Indigenous peoples’ physical and mental health at the population-level. In terms of a theoretical contribution, this dissertation contributes by lending further insight into the empirical relationships between determinants of Indigenous peoples’ health and health outcomes, and by introducing a framework for conceptualizing factors that strengthen mental wellness of Indigenous community health workers in remote Northern contexts in Canada. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / First Nations, Métis, and Inuit make up 4.3% of the Canadian population and together represent the three distinct identities of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. Indigenous peoples’ experiences of colonization have had impacts on their physical and mental health. Additionally, experiences of colonization have also affected many determinants of Indigenous peoples’ health ranging from access to food and clean drinking water, to the availability of appropriate education, social, and healthcare services. The following chapters explore how certain experiences of being Indigenous in Canada are associated with physical and mental health outcomes, taking into consideration determinants of health. Even after controlling for all of the things known to be related to Indigenous peoples’ physical and mental health, and that are typically used to explain any differences in health between groups, there is still a difference in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. There is also still a difference in physical and mental health outcomes between Indigenous adults with and without an ancestor who attended the Residential School System. The effects of colonization also influence Indigenous community health workers’ mental wellness, and access to mental health supports while living and working in a remote, Northern community.

This thesis explores Alexis de Tocqueville’s representation of Indigenous peoples in his book Democracy in America, a subject largely overlooked in the history of Tocqueville scholarship. I argue that his narrative on the history of American expansionism creates a simulacrum of Indigeneity as a rhetorical trope to convince the reader of the impossibility of the resurrection of European feudalism. In the process he exposes the brutality of American decadence while paradoxically endorsing the principles that motivate European colonialism. Tocqueville’s historical narrative essentially writes Indigenous people out of history and offers a tacit justification for some of the injustices they suffered. Although some modern scholars read him as a critic of American tyranny, I suggest that his juxtaposition of savagism and civilization presupposes a progressive concept of history that condemns Indigenous peoples to an unavoidable destruction. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA) / This thesis examines the way that Alexis de Tocqueville misrepresents the history of Indigenous peoples in his book Democracy in America. I argue that his discussion on the history of American colonialism depicts Indigenous peoples in a way that fails to appreciate their culture and suggests that their destruction is simply the tragic result of the triumphant march of European civilization. I also argue that, for Tocqueville, the democratic movement in Europe is an historical inevitability that is impossible to resist.

The rivers and tributaries of our planet carry water through Mother Earth, like veins carry blood, and for many Indigenous Peoples, the Great Lakes are the heart of Mother Earth sustaining her life blood - water. However, centuries of water colonialism have led to the disenfranchisement of Indigenous Peoples’ water citizenship, which is connected to the evolution of Indigenous water governance in the Great Lakes. Indigenous water governance includes the intergenerational and adaptive institutions and processes by which Indigenous Peoples and Nations protect the water through decision-making, treaty relations, and resurgent kinship. Indigenous water governance is grounded in the principle of Indigenous survivence – the capacity of an Indigenous Nation or community to survive stressors to water governance through resilience building that allows for sustainability and protection of water for future generations. Understanding the roles of Indigenous Nations as rightsholders in a given social-ecological-system is necessary for understanding the institutions, policies, and processes shaping collaborative water governance in transboundary basins. The failures in equity of participation, decision-making authority, and government-to-government consultation for Indigenous Nations in the shared protection of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin (GLSLRB) represent governance crises for water security. Adaptive water governance is grounded in Indigenous inclusion as rightsholders and knowledge co-production for shared agenda setting and equitable decision-making in the face of uncertainty. This dissertation empirically investigates the norms, dynamics and mechanisms that underlie the management structure, composition, and politics of Indigenous water governance in the Great Lakes. Chapter 1 introduces the literature and background necessary for positioning the four studies of the dissertation presented in Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5. Chapter 2 presents the history of water colonialism in the region and the transferability of Indigenous water institutions to manage the complex multilevel governance waterscape of the Great Lakes. Chapter 3 examines Indigenous attitudes towards Great Lakes protection in public opinion polls and the cross-national differences among Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents of the Great Lakes basin. Chapter 4 contains a case study of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Areas of Concern, their impacts on Indigenous Nations, and the water injustices that result when Indigenous worldviews are not valued. Chapter 5 explores the reawakening of sleepy water knowledges through the Water Walks and presents the path forward set by the water walkers for rebuilding water diplomacy through Indigenous water citizenship for Great Lakes governance. Taken together, these studies help us to conceptualize Indigenous water governance within the Great Lakes and provide best practices for Indigenous leaders globally working to protect the water and enacting Indigenous water governance. / Thesis / Candidate in Philosophy / The rivers and tributaries of our planet carry water through Mother Earth like veins carry blood, and for many Indigenous Peoples, the Great Lakes are the heart of Mother Earth sustaining her life blood - water. However, centuries of water colonialism have led to the disenfranchisement of Indigenous Peoples’ water citizenship, which is connected to the evolution of Indigenous water governance in the Great Lakes. This doctoral dissertation investigates the history of water colonialism in the region and the transferability of Indigenous water institutions to manage the complex multilevel governance waterscape; Indigenous Peoples perceptions of Great Lakes well-being; water injustices that result when Indigenous worldviews are not valued; and the path forward for rebuilding water diplomacy through Indigenous water citizenship for Great Lakes governance. Great Lakes Indigenous Nations’ reawakening of sleepy water knowledges are lessons for Indigenous Nations around the world fighting to protect the water on how to reclaim their water sovereignty for Indigenous water governance.

Title: Indigenous Masculinity and HIV Disclosure Aim/Objective: The goal of this this research project is to explore how self-regulation of a masculine identity is impacted by colonization in the context of HIV disclosure for Indigenous men. Specific objectives under this goal include the following: (1) Understanding Indigenous men’s ideas about Indigenous masculinity; (2) understanding how Indigenous men come to understand the impact of colonization on their masculine identity; and (3) understanding how colonization affects Indigenous men’s experience of HIV disclosure. Methods: This project adopts an Indigenous directed process consistent with principles of community-based research (CBR) and driven by decolonizing and Indigenous methodologies. Following an examination of relevant literature, six Indigenous men living with HIV were interviewed to discuss the significance of Indigenous masculinity in the context of HIV wellness and HIV disclosure. The findings from the literature review and interviews were coded within NVivo qualitative analysis software to compare emerging themes. Findings: Following a discussion of the several aspects of Indigenous masculinity, the participants described the hinderances of colonization and stigmatization in disrupting healthy practices and conceptualization of Indigenous masculinity. Throughout the journey of healing, a process of deconstructing western ideals was necessary towards developing a personal sense of Indigenous masculinity which aligned with their Indigenous identity. Upon successful negotiation of the relationship between Indigenous masculinity and HIV status, disclosure was used at various stages of the healing journey to affirm Indigenous masculinity, discover a personal sense of purpose, and to educate others. Conclusion: The use of disclosure was found to be a vital component towards the development and practice of Indigenous masculinity. The findings of this project will be used to apply for future grants to design a service or intervention which provides Indigenous men living with HIV with a safe and healthy environment to practice Indigenous masculinity. / Thesis / Master of Social Work (MSW)

In the 1990s, as Virginia Indians faced the 2007 quadracentennial of Jamestown's founding, they initiated plans to publicly correct inaccuracies and omissions embedded in the historical narrative. The Beyond Jamestown: Virginia Indians Past and Present Teachers' Institute was one such initiative through the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities' Virginia Indian Heritage Program. Designed for educators' professional development regarding Virginia Indian history and cultures, the Institute's first two years (2007 and 2008) featured a Virginia Indian-developed curriculum with both Native and non-Native presenters.;This qualitative, interpretivist study sought evidence of teaching at the interface of cultures by these invited presenters using pedagogy and curriculum as units of analysis, and questioned whether they shared an educational vision or paradigm despite different cultural backgrounds. The study revealed that the Institute demonstrated effective collaboration among presenters influenced by both Indigenous and European-American paradigms It exposed participating educators to a little-known period in Virginia history--the era of the Racial Integrity Act of 1924 and segregation--through the stories of tribal experts who experienced the attempted eradication of cultural identity. These oral histories contributed to the distinct Virginia Indian epistemology that emerged in the program. The BJTI also demonstrated Virginia Indians' 21st-century agency in inviting its non-Native presenters and participating educators to collaborate in decolonizing Virginia education.

This thesis explores the application of Kaupapa Māori processes to documentary filmmaking through practiced-led research. The need for this research came to light through the experience of witnessing unacceptable behaviour shown by film crews towards kaumātua who were attending the 2006 28th Māori Battalion Reunion. In reflecting on this experience and considering my own filming experience as a person with a Te Ao Māori background, the basis for this argument was conceived. This thesis argues that there are alternative ways in which filming can be conducted by considering processes that already exist within Māori practices and philosophies. This Thesis, therefore, investigates alternative processes of filming that have developed from a Kaupapa Māori perspective through practical filming experience. An historical overview of the relationship between Māori, media and filming practices have been provided to give context to this discussion. The application of Kaupapa Māori processes to film was considered through the use of Marae protocol and philosophies. The application of these concepts was supported by the creative research which was utilised by referencing specific examples. The reader is, therefore, instructed to refer to the DVD in the front of the thesis as referenced in the written text.

This thesis is written at a time when the world faces many challenges. Gross violation of human rights persists, discrimination against and alienation of marginalized groups continues, the gulf between rich and poor yawns ever wider, and the rapid degradation of the environment continues to gain momentum. One area upon which environmental degradation impacts most crucially is water. In terms of vulnerability and scarcity as a commodity, water has come to be called by some 'the new oil'. Already, water has influenced political strategies and been the cause of wars. The aim of this thesis has been, firstly, to identify the status and trends in inland water ecosystems and their immediate dependents, with particular reference to indigenous communities living close to the water source, and hence more directly affected. If the destruction of inland water ecosystems is allowed to continue unchecked, it will inevitably have disastrous universal consequences. The thesis also discusses the protection of indigenous knowledge and innovations, provided by intellectual property and other instruments, and attempts to analyse developments in international law, which have relevance for indigenous peoples in connection with the conservation, management and sustainable use of inland water systems.

Maya peoples in Guatemala continue to practice their Indigenous knowledge in spite of the violence experienced since the Spanish invasion in 1524. From 1991 until 1996, the state and civil society signed a series of Peace Accords that promised to better meet the needs of the Maya, Xinka, Garífuna and non-Indigenous groups living there. In this context, how does the current educational system meet the varied needs of these groups? My research investigates the philosophy and praxis of Maya Indigenous knowledge (MIK) in broadly defined educational contexts through the stories of 17 diverse Maya professional women and men involved in educational reform that currently live and work in Guatemala City. How do they reclaim and apply their ancestral knowledge daily? What possible applications of MIK can transform society? The findings reveal that MIK promotes social change and healing within and outside institutionalized educational spaces and argues that academia needs to make room for Indigenous theorizing mainly in areas of education, gender, knowledge production, and nation building. I analyze these areas from anticolonial and critical Indigenous standpoints from which gender and Indigenous identities weave through the text. Thus, I rely on Maya concepts and units of analyses (Jun Winaq’) guided by an Indigenous research methodology (Tree of Life) to conduct informal and in-depth interviews that lasted 2 to 4 hours. In addition, I held a talking circle with half of the participants. My analysis is founded on my own experience as an Indigenous person, my observations and participation in two Maya organizations in 2007 and a review of secondary literature in situ. The study contributes to a general understanding of contemporary Maya peoples and knowledge, and describes the theoretical validity of the Maya concept of Jun Winaq’. I argue that this concept seeks to heal individuals and a society to strengthen the Maya and all peoples. Throughout the dissertation I highlight the value of Indigenous knowledge and voices as parts of a political process that has the potential to decolonize mainstream education. I end with a graphic illustration of the elements in Maya Indigenous education and discuss future research for building a political agenda based on self-determination and healing relevant to Indigenous struggles globally.

Project (M.P.P.) - Simon Fraser University, 2006. / Theses (Master of Public Policy Program) / Simon Fraser University. Also issued in digital format and available on the World Wide Web.

Indigenous cultures have long traditions of travel and mobility that empower them to survive, adapt to changing physical and political contexts, and create new futures for themselves. This dissertation, Rootedness and Mobility in International Indigenous Literatures, proposes a critical perspective that recognizes travel and migration neither as elements foreign to Indigenous cultures nor as symptoms of their hybridity or assimilation. Rather, they are central elements of Indigenous tradition, and as such inform contemporary Anglophone Indigenous writing as well as international Indigenous political actions. Understanding the place of travel within Indigenous cultures leads to a deeper understanding of the Indigenous peoples’ rights, which include not only the right to land, but also the right of free movement. Such mobility is not in conflict with but is instead complementary to a powerful sense of place and rootedness. The three chapters examine texts which hinge on cross-cultural contacts among Indigenous groups, and deal with novels by Thomas King, Leslie Marmon Silko, and Witi Ihimaera. Rather than merely seeking the legacies of colonialism in Indigenous texts, this dissertation acknowledges the devastating impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples but does not give colonialism center stage. Instead, the center belongs to Indigenous traditions and the dialogue that takes place between the stories being written today and the ancient stories and histories that have been passed down through generations. In exploring these novels and the cultural landscapes their authors call home, we see that travel, migrations, and the resulting intercultural contacts are not incidental, but integral to many Indigenous cultures, and contribute to a growing sense of Indigenous internationalism. Mobility and travel are not in conflict with, but instead coexist with a sense of rootedness and place. Thus, as we look at contemporary cross-cultural contacts among Indigenous authors, artists, and activists, it is vital to understand the long Indigenous histories both of rootedness and mobility. / text