modern and urban: elements of a changing identity

1. Modern and Urban: Elements of a Changing Identity Arts One � First Nations Lecture November, 2007

2. What is modern? � The ability to construct an identity for the self, either as an individual or as a collective, lies at the heart of modernity� Newhouse (2003) �The autonomy of self expressed as an inalienable right� Denis (1997) � a syncretic, dynamic, adaptive identity in contemporary [Canada]� Weaver (1997) � a social convergence in which all societies resemble one another� Max Weber

3. Or is it post-modern? Hybridity and marginality � a new experience of orientation and disorientation, with senses of placed and displaced identity, new relations in space and place, fixity and mobility, centre and periphery, real and virtual space, frontier and territory� Gough (2000) �Natives define their identity in terms of community and relate to ultimate reality through that community� Weaver (1997) �Self in society� rather than �Self and society� Fixico (2000)

4. Tribal to Modern Newhouse�s thesis (2003) that post-1969 We have increased sense of power Assertive & desirous of a new world Distinctive parallel developments in the Arts, Education, Health Increasing influence of mainstream thoughts and institutions Modern = blended

5. Factors influencing Change (Newhouse, 2003, p. 402) Urbanization Growth even with declining in-migration Institutionalization Increased reliance rather than on kin Cultural Identity re-enforcement Deliberate/culturally specific Retraditionalization Return of values, customs & worldview Textual transformation Written English predominant/common language Self-governance Asserted control over everyday life

6. Urban Demographics (Hanselman, 2001)

7. The Lure of Employment? (Unemployment figures - Stats Canada, 1999)

8. Examining �Migration� Push & Pull effect (Norris & Clatworthy, 2003) Reserve: home, culture, affordable, unique City: employment, excitement, amenities Myth that urban growth is primarily outflow from reserves �Ethnic mobility�, both generational & intra-generational more to account (Giumond, 2003)

9. Coming to grips with who one is� �ethnic mobility� results from changes in self-identification Present gap between Aboriginal origin and identification (SIGGNER,2003 cites % that self-identify) Regina 94% Winnipeg 89% Edmonton 74% Vancouver 70% Toronto 46% Montreal 22%

10. How do we nurture urban aboriginal identity? Recognize that ties to community are often weakened Recognize that diversity of cultures is an issue, with accompanying divisions Utilize those institutions that do bind us e.g. friendship centres; neighbourhoods Define citizenship in confederacies rather than 600 first �nations� (Lawrence, 2004) Create more �space� where we self-govern

11. Urban Spaces/ Urban Reserves? Growth as a response to treaty claims, urbanization and need for economy Multiple purposes Space for cultural & educational activity Base for political activity Sources of revenue A novel response within the structures of current relationships Other ways to create space and home?

12. Urban & Modern What is the ultimate influence these will have on our personal and collective identities? Like some fear about globalization will these erase difference and homogenize culture? Or will we still be aboriginal albeit ever changing and dynamic in what that means?