Intellectual Contribution To Indigenous Rights
Georges Erasmus is a committed advocate, political leader, and well-respected spokesperson for Indigenous peoples in Canada. In 1976, Erasmus presented to the Berger Inquiry the Dene’s position to the proposed pipeline. This presentation, “We the Dene” gives some initial insight into the intellectual thinking of Erasmus. However, it is important to stress that Erasmus speaks from his location as a member of the Dene and his intellectual thoughts would be influenced by his relationships with his elders and his position within his community. Speaking as one of the Dene, Erasmus outlined the Dene’s assertion of sovereignty.
As a distinct Dene nation, Erasmus pointed out that they sought to enter into the confederation of Canada as a “recognized entity” with their own self-government over a specific land base. Erasmus points out in this presentation that the Treaties 8 and 11 were agreements entered into on the understanding that they recognized the right of the Dene to govern themselves and from which the Dene nation could live separately but in peaceful coexistence with the non Dene people. Erasmus states, “Clearly these agreements have been broken. Instead of recognition of our national right to self-determination, we have been subjected to over fifty years of colonization, of forced assimilation.” In representing his people on the public stage, Erasmus has pursued the need for negotiation, new agreements, and recognition of Indigenous rights from the Canadian government. At times his frustration towards a noncommittal federal government has shown, and he has had to forewarn the government of potential conflict.
At an early point in his intellectual and political life, Erasmus begins to highlight the importance of de-colonization and how this must be based on collective action. In taking this approach he attempts to highlight the collective capacity of resistance, and challenges the power relations embedded within the language and practice of paternalism, asserting his people’s right to define themselves, and their own needs. Beginning with the Dene declaration, the model of nations coexisting together in an ethical relationship while retaining sovereignty, is highlighted as a central tenet of his people’s position. This is carried on throughout his public interviews and is presented in the RCAP.
In a speech given by Erasmus in 2002, he continues to call for conversation “nation to nation,” as the means upon which to build a “common future”. Importantly, Erasmus proposes that the contemporary focus should move from an emphasis on “Aboriginal Rights to relationship between peoples; from crying needs to vigorous capacity; from individual citizenship to nations within the nation state.” He suggests that the pursuit of seeking recognition of Aboriginal Rights through the Canadian courts should change because “Litgation is no way to build a community.” Erasmus reasserts instead, the importance of treaty making as a way forward to build renewed relationships built on “mutual trust” and a bond “like that of brothers who might have different gifts and follow different paths, but who could be counted on to render assistance to one another in times of need.”
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