Indigenous identity is a complex construct, influenced by a myriad of factors including culture, language, history, and personal experiences. It is a dynamic and evolving concept, shaped by both individual and collective experiences. This handout explores the factors influencing Indigenous identity, the Indigenous concept of circularity, and the importance of research and data collection in understanding identity in Indigenous communities.
Indigenous identity is deeply rooted in the interconnectedness of individuals with their community, land, culture, and history. It is not a static or singular concept, but rather a fluid and multifaceted construct that evolves over time and across contexts (Belanger, 2018).
Cultural heritage plays a significant role in shaping Indigenous identity. It includes traditions, languages, ceremonies, and ways of life passed down through generations. For Indigenous peoples, cultural heritage is a source of pride, strength, and resilience (Belanger, 2018).
Language is a vital component of Indigenous identity. It is a medium through which cultural knowledge, traditions, and values are passed down through generations. The loss of Indigenous languages due to colonization has had a profound impact on Indigenous identity and cultural continuity (Norris, 2007).
The connection to land and territory is a fundamental aspect of Indigenous identity. Land is not merely a physical space but a living entity with spiritual significance. It is a source of sustenance, knowledge, and identity (Belanger, 2018).
Several factors influence Indigenous identity, including historical, socio-political, and personal factors.
Colonization and residential schools have had a profound impact on Indigenous identity. These institutions aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples into Euro-Canadian society, leading to a loss of language, culture, and identity (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015).
Residential schools, in particular, have left a lasting impact on Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan and across Canada. These schools were designed to strip Indigenous children of their cultural identity and assimilate them into mainstream Canadian society. Children were forbidden from speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions, leading to a significant loss of cultural knowledge and identity (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015).
The effects of these schools continue to reverberate through generations, a phenomenon known as intergenerational trauma. Many survivors of residential schools struggle with issues related to identity, as they were often disconnected from their cultural heritage and family ties (Bombay, Matheson, & Anisman, 2014).
Recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination are crucial factors influencing Indigenous identity. The struggle for recognition and self-determination has been a central theme in Indigenous peoples' fight for justice and equality. The recognition of Indigenous rights, including the right to self-determination, has significant implications for Indigenous identity, as it affirms the distinct status and identities of Indigenous peoples (Belanger, 2018).
Individual experiences and identity negotiation also play a crucial role in shaping Indigenous identity. Identity negotiation involves the process of reconciling multiple identities and navigating the complexities of identity in different contexts. For Indigenous peoples, this may involve negotiating their Indigenous identity with other identities (e.g., Canadian, student, worker) in various social, cultural, and political contexts (Belanger, 2018).
The Indigenous concept of circularity is a fundamental aspect of Indigenous worldviews and identity. Circularity refers to the belief in the interconnectedness of all elements of existence – people, land, animals, and the spiritual world. It emphasizes balance, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life (Belanger, 2018).
Applying the concept of circularity to personal identity involves recognizing the interconnectedness of our identities with our communities, cultures, histories, and environments. It means understanding our identity as part of a larger whole and acknowledging the influence of our relationships and experiences on our sense of self.
Research and data collection about identity in Indigenous communities are essential for understanding the complexities of Indigenous identity and addressing the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. However, it is crucial that this research is conducted in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner, recognizing and respecting Indigenous knowledge, methodologies, and protocols (Smith, 2012).
Research and data collection can provide valuable insights into the factors influencing Indigenous identity, the impacts of colonization and residential schools, and the strategies for promoting cultural continuity and identity restoration. They can inform policies and programs aimed at supporting Indigenous peoples and communities in their journey towards healing, reconciliation, and self-determination.
Understanding Indigenous identity and the factors that influence it is crucial for promoting cultural continuity, reconciliation, and social justice. It requires acknowledging the impacts of historical and socio-political factors, recognizing the importance of cultural heritage and personal experiences, and respecting Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. As we continue to learn and grow, let us remember the words of the Cree proverb: "Realize that we as human beings have been put on this earth for only a short time and that we must use this time to gain wisdom, knowledge, respect and the understanding for all human beings since we are all relatives." (ka-ki-kiskêyihtamahk êkwa ka-kî-nitawi-kôhkomîtinawaw).
Belanger, Y. D. (2018). Ways of knowing: An introduction to Native studies in Canada. Nelson Education.
Bombay, A., Matheson, K., & Anisman, H. (2014). The intergenerational effects of Indian Residential Schools: Implications for the concept of historical trauma. Transcultural Psychiatry, 51(3), 320-338.
Norris, M. J. (2007). Aboriginal languages in Canada: Emerging trends and perspectives on second language acquisition. Canadian Social Trends, 83, 20-28.
Smith, L. T. (2012). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and Indigenous peoples. Zed Books Ltd.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Honouring the truth, reconciling for the future: Summary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.