Explore your creative side and discover a First Nations traditional craft: the Dreamcatcher. The workshop will be led by Marie-Celine Charron from the Naskapis First Nation of Kawawachikamach.
Spaces are limited. Click here to reserve your spot!
What limits, if any, should be placed on the right to determine citizenship?
Pamela Palmater argues that the Indian Act's registration provisions will lead to the end of First Nations as legal and constitutional entities. Beginning with an historic overview of legislation defining Indian status and their impact on First Nations, Dr. Palmater examines court rulings dealing with Aboriginal rights and the Canadian Charter. She also examines various band membership codes, and how criteria set out in band membership codes perpetuates discrimination. She argues that First Nations must determine their citizenship based on ties to the community.
Palmater is a Mi'kmaq lawyer and member of the Eel River Bar First Nation in northern New Brunswick. She has been a practising lawyer for 14 years. She holds the position of Associate Professor and Chair of Indigenous Governance in the Department of Politics and Public Administration and heads the Centre for Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University. She completed a doctorate in the science of law (JSD) in 2009, and holds Master of Laws (LLM), Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees. Palmater's expertise is in Indigenous law, politics and governance. Her research interests include Indigenous governance, Aboriginal and treaty rights, international human rights, Indigenous politics and constitutional law. Her book, Beyond Blood: Rethinking Indigenous Identity, considers the legal problems of status with regard to band membership and self-government citizenship and was released in early 2011.
In 2010, the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team chose to forfeit the World Championship when they were denied entry into England because of their Haudenosaunee passports. Determined to be recognized as a sovereign nation, this timely documentary follows the Iroquois Nationals on their quest for the 2011 medal in Prague – both a fight for gold and recognition of their nationhood. The Creator's Game was the Documentary Pitch Prize winner at imagineNATIVE 2010.
We will be joined by the director Candace Maracle for a Q & A following the film.
Candace Maracle (Mohawk) of the Bay of Quinte from Tyendinaga, is currently completing her Master's in Journalism at Ryerson University's School of Journalism. She has interned at CBC Radio's The Current and produced a piece on Nisga'a private property ownership, and is currently working as a reporter/correspondent with APTN's National News.
Discover the rhythmic tunes of local performers. Open Mic