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Presenting unity, performing diversity: Sto:lo identity negotiations in venues of cultural representation

In the process of negotiating land claims, First Nations in British Columbia and Canada face
the challenging task of presenting a unified identity without trampling on the inevitable diversity
within their communities. This thesis explores the perceived conflict between unity and
diversity amongst Native populations. It brings together fieldwork in St6:l o territory in the
Fraser Valley of British Columbia, performance theory, and contemporary discourse surrounding
identity production at this particular point in time. The work examines performance of identity
as a form of social action and the variability of identity performances. Data was gathered from
interviews with people involved with two sites where educational programmes are being
developed for local students: Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre at Hatzic Rock, near
Mission, and Longhouse Extension Programme/ Shxwt'a:selhawtxw on St6:l o Nation grounds in
Chilliwack. The theme explored in this thesis is that just as unity is politically expedient,
diversity and its management is an important facet of the performance of identity. / Arts, Faculty of / Anthropology, Department of / Graduate

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UBC/oai:circle.library.ubc.ca:2429/8134
Date11 1900
CreatorsHiwasaki, Lisa
Source SetsUniversity of British Columbia
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeText, Thesis/Dissertation
Format3584969 bytes, application/pdf
RightsFor non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.

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