“How might understanding the sensitivities around Indigeniety, help us understand B.C. First Peoples?”

Hiya!

What is Indigeneity?  

Indigeneity is the identity, culture, and experiences of Indigenous peoples. It’s shaped by connections to land, traditions, communities, historical/ongoing struggles for recognition, rights, and self-determination. Unlike the Indian status, indigeneity is rooted in the culture, shared histories, and resilience of their past and present.  However, can people of non-Indigenous roots have Indigeneity?  If they were adopted into an Indigenous culture can they be considered as Indigenous?

In this project, we explored social status and Indigenous identities. This project aimed to deepen our understanding of the line between being Indigenous and not being Indigenous.  What defines someone as Indigenous, and what are the consequences of falsely claiming to be?

Status in Canada is given by the government under the Indian Act that grants individuals specific rights and benefits. While it provides some advantages (like tax breaks and educational funding), many of these benefits come with restrictions (only applicable on reserves).  Not only that, status also plays a role in shaping Indigenous identity, as it serves as proof of heritage in a time when many falsely claim Indigeneity for personal gain.

We utilized multiple resources, like the Fifth Estate and multiple articles, to understand Pretendians and why they are such a problem we currently face.  

Pretendians are people of non-Indigenous ancestry who claim to have Indigenous status for financial benefits, social status, or a sense of belonging.  They take resources made for Indigenous people to use for their own personal gain. 

A notable example of this is Buffy Saint Marie, an “Indigenous” artist from the Piapot nation.  She utilized their benefits to gain fame, and won awards whilst labeled as the first Indigenous person to do this.  

This prevalent problem is seen throughout a lot of places, with people using it for universities, schools, and other organizations.

However, what if someone grew up in an Indigenous community, what draws the line for someone being Indigenous?

Reflecting on the 6 Talking Circle Questions

What does “status” mean in Canada, and how does it shape identity and access to rights and resources?

In Canada, “status” is the official recognition of someone as Indigenous under the Indian Act. It comes with certain benefits, like healthcare, tax exemptions, and funding for education. However, it’s not as simple as just having status, many of these benefits are only accessible on reserves or have other hidden conditions. Status plays a significant role in how people identify as Indigenous, but it isn’t always clear-cut. Is being Indigenous just about ancestry, or does living in a community and participating in the culture matter too?

Why do some people falsely claim Indigenous identity? What are the consequences of this?

There are three main reasons, as mentioned in The Fifth Estate: for money, status, and a sense of belonging. Money is an obvious motive.  People can receive financial benefits by claiming to be Indigenous. You’re able to charge significantly more because it’s seen as “exotic” or rare to have an Indigenous performer. 

Some people want a sense of community, a place they can call home. People with broken families, no home to go back to, or a lack of belonging may try to fill that gap by claiming to be Indigenous. They gain a community and a family that looks after them. 

The consequence of people finding out is your reputation.  Buffy Saint Marie had a variety of her awards taken away, and many of her fans condemned her actions.

How has my understanding of Indigeneity, identity, and authenticity evolved through this study?

Before doing this project, I never fully understood the complexities of what it means to be Indigenous.  I thought it was just about having Indigenous blood running through your veins, but I have come to a realization that their is a lot more to it.  Being Indigenous is about more than ancestry, it’s also about culture, community, and shared experiences. I also now understand how harmful false claims are.  They not only distort what it means to be Indigenous but also make it harder for real Indigenous people to be taken seriously.

What is the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation? Where do we draw the line?

Cultural appreciation means taking the time to learn about and respect a culture. It’s about engaging with it thoughtfully and with permission from the community. 

On the other hand, cultural appropriation is when someone takes aspects of a culture for their own benefit, without understanding it or seeking permission. The line is tricky, but ultimately it comes down to respect. If the community says something is offensive, then the person doing something harmful should listen. When people profit from Indigenous culture but don’t give anything back to those communities, that’s where appropriation crosses the line.

How do media and institutions contribute to the problem of false claims to Indigeneity?

Media and institutions make it too easy for people to claim Indigenous identity without any proof. Many universities, organizations, and media outlets rely on self-identification, which allows for people to easily falsely claim to be Indigenous. When false claims are exposed, it causes confusion and distrust towards people who are actually Indigenous. It creates a public perception that undermines the authenticity of Indigenous voices. This is how the system gets distorted, leaving the real Indigenous experience hidden under misinformation.

What responsibility do we have when discussing these issues outside of class?

The most important thing we can do when discussing these issues is to educate ourselves and others. Many people don’t realize how damaging false claims can be, and a lot of these issues aren’t widely talked about. It’s up to us as students of this class to bring these conversations into our communities, schools, and social circles. We need to be active in educating others about the harm caused by appropriation and false claims to Indigeneity. If we can do that, we are able to create a more informed and respectful space for Indigenous people and their culture.

https://christianl.craft.me/statusIndigenous

Participating in the Talking Circle was a thoughtful experience.  It allowed for open, respectful dialogue but lacked equal power for everyone participating. I realized the importance of listening and the value of diverse perspectives, but felt that some voices weren’t being heard.  I talked with some people after the circle, and they agreed on my point.  The system of not using hands led multiple people to not be able to share their thoughts due to numerous students trying to speak at the same time.

However, I really enjoyed connecting my learning back to other projects from before, and I think the talking circle really allowed for me to do that.  The discussion flowed in a way that allowed for anything to be said, and I felt that we all had the “anthropological mindset” where we were all open to each others ideas.

To answer the driving question, Indigenity isn’t a black and white word.  Understanding how people falsely claim Indigeneity creates an identity of mistrust towards their image.  It undermines their reputation, and makes it harder for Indigenous people to be accepted. It is a problem that can’t be easily solved, and understanding what defines Indigenous isn’t simple.   

Thank you so much!

-Chris