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Please Note: This Class Syllabus is an important step in updating the format of our distance courses. If for any reason the Class
Syllabus does not match the print Course Guide or online course information, the Class syllabus shall be taken as correct.
CLASS SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
Aboriginal Governance and Politics
COURSE CODE:
POLS 222.3
TERM:
Spring 2015
COURSE CREDITS:
3
DELIVERY:
Online
COURSE SECTION:
W03
START DATE:
May 6, 2015
END DATE:
June 19, 2015
Course Description
An analysis of existing and emerging systems of Aboriginal governance and politics at the local,
regional, provincial and national levels in Canada.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 111 and POLS 112; or 60 credit units at university level.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Examine theoretical and practical ideas and approaches to Aboriginal government and
politics.
2. Compare Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal concepts related to conflict between Aboriginal
and non-Aboriginal peoples.
3. Examine intergovernmental arrangements between the Federal, Provincial and
Aboriginal governments related to Aboriginal governments capacity.
4. Explain historical Aboriginal political issues and how they relate to contemporary
governance.
5. Explore Indian, Métis, and Inuit challenges in Canada.
Course Overview
This course consists of 10 modules about Aboriginal governance and politics. In addition to the
textbook, required readings will be available in the modules in Blackboard. Students will be
required to conduct media analyses, participate in weekly discussions, write a research paper,
and write a final examination for this course.
April 27, 2015 gm ck pk jm nw
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
Your Instructor
Nicole Wegner
Contact Information
Email:
Response Time:
[email protected]
24 hours
If I am called away for a period of time, I will inform the class on the Announcements board, and
I will let you know when I can be expected to be online again. I check the course web site on a
daily basis to check on the progress of class discussions.
Profile
I am an instructor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. I
completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan in International Studies,
and did my Masters and Doctoral studies in Political Science at McMaster University in
Hamilton, Ontario. I strive to help students foster an interest in politics and welcome student
feedback and questions in my courses.
Required Resources
Readings/Textbooks
1. Miller, J.R. (2004). Lethal Legacy: Current Native Controversies in Canada. Toronto:
McClelland and Stewart. ISBN: 978-0-7710-5903-2
Textbooks are available from the University of Saskatchewan Bookstore:
http://www.usa sk.ca/consumer_services/bookstore/textbooks
Additional Resources
Additional readings are provided in the online modules as PDFs in Blackboard or links.
Note: If any of the links don’t work for you, try copying and pasting the url into your browser. If
you need further assistance, please contact your instructor. Also note that an electronic version
of this syllabus is available on the CCDE web site for your convenience in accessing the links at
http://ccde.usask.ca/distanceeducation/courses-fall
Downloads
Some downloads may require Adobe Reader. To install this software, click this link and follow
the download and installation instructions: http://get.adobe.com/reader
Page 2 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
Class Schedule
Week
1
2
3
Module
Readings
Introduction
(May 6)
No assigned readings.
Module 1:
The Politics of
Aboriginal
Identity
(May 11-May
15)
Jim Miller “Designer Labels” in Lethal Legacy:
Current Native Controversies in Canada.
Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 2004, 1-51.
[Textbook]
Module 2:
Introduction to
Aboriginal
Governance
(May 19-May
22)
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
“Governance.” Report of the Royal Commission
on Aboriginal Peoples. Volume 2, Part 1, Ch. 3,
sections 3.1 – 3.2. Ottawa: Canada
Communication Group, 1996. Available online at:
http://www.aadncaandc.gc.ca/eng/1307458586498
Students must sign up as Discussion Leader.
Schouls, Tim. “Approaches to Aboriginal Identity.” In
Shifting Boundaries: Aboriginal Identity, Pluralist
Theory, and the Politics of Self- Government, 3959. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press, 2003.
[PDF in Blackboard]
Newhouse, David. “From the Tribal to the Modern:
The Development of Modern Aboriginal Society.”
In Expressions in Canadian Studies, edited by
R.F. Laliberte et al. 395-409. Saskatoon, SK:
University Extension Press, 2000. [PDF in
Blackboard]
Evaluation Due
Date
Read syllabus
thoroughly.
Sign up for
Module
Discussion
Leader by
FRIDAY, May 8.
Student
discussion
response due
Friday, May 15
by 4pm
Student
discussion
response due
Friday, May 22
by 4pm
Critical Article
Review due
Friday, May 22nd
by 4pm
Harding, R. (2005) "The media, Aboriginal people,
and common sense." Canadian Journal of Native
Studies 25 (1) pp. 311-335. [For Critical Article
Review assignment; access the article in the
Assignments area in Blackboard] [PDF in
Blackboard]
4
Module 3:
Colonialism
(May 25-May
27)
Break
May 28-29
Champagne, Duane. “A Multidimensional Theory of
Colonialism: The Native North American
Experience,” Journal of American Studies of
Turkey 3 (1996): 3-14. [PDF in Blackboard]
Student
discussion
response due
Monday, June
1st by 4 p.m.
Page 3 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
Week
4
5
Module
Readings
Module 4:
Treaty
Relationships
J.R. Miller, “‘A Strong Promise:’ Treaties.” In Lethal
Legacy. McClelland & Stewart, 2004:106-164.
[Textbook]
(May 25-May
27)
Timeline and maps of historic Treaty information.
Available online at:
http://www.aadncaandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032297
Module 5:
Indian Act
Canada. Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
“The Indian Act.” Report of the Royal
Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Volume 1
(Part 2). Ottawa: Canada Communication Group,
1996. Available online at:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/webarchives/
20071124124337/http://www.aincinac.gc.ca/ch/rcap/sg/sgm9_e.html
(June 1-June
5)
Evaluation Due
Date
Student
discussion
response due
Monday, June
1st
by 4 p.m.
Student
discussion
response due
Friday, June 5
by 4 p.m.
Indian Act. R.S.C.,1985, c I-5. Available online at:
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-5/page4.html
Canada. INAC "Explanatory Paper: Proposed
Amendments to the Indian Act Affecting Indian
Registration". (March 2010). Available online at:
http://www.aadncaandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032511
The corbiere ruling. Available online at:
http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/files/PDF/corbiere.pdf
(for Learning Activity 1)
Re-assessing the Population Impacts of Bill C-31.
Available online at:
http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/R2
-363-2004E.pdf
(for Learning Activity 2)
5
Module 6:
Section 35
Constitution
Act
(June 1-5)
Giokas, John. (November 15, 2000). Recognition,
Reconciliation and Healing. Report prepared for
the Aboriginal Justice Implementation
Commission (Manitoba). Available online at:
http://www.ajic.mb.ca/recognition.pdf
Page 4 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
Week
5
6
Module
Module 6:
Section 35
Constitution
Act
Readings
(June 1-5)
Smith, Melvin. (September 1, 2000). “Some
Perspectives on the Origin and Meaning of
Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982,” Public
Policy Sources, no. 41. Vancouver: Fraser
Institute, 2000. Available online at:
http://www.fraserinstitute.org/publicationdisplay.a
spx?id=13440&terms=some+perspectives+on+th
e+origin+and+meaning+of+section+35+of+the+c
onstitution+act+1982
Module 7:
Metis Self
Determination
Reading the following documents for background
information on Métis history and current issues
[PDF’s in Blackboard]:
(June 8-June
12)
•
Guay, Marcel, The Métis
•
Guay, Marcel, Who Are the Métis?
•
Guay, Marcel, Métis Groups
•
Métis Governance in Saskatchewan for the
21st Century: Views and Visions of the Métis
People. Chapter 2: History of Métis
Governance in Saskatchewan
Evaluation Due
Date
Student
discussion
response due
Friday, June 12
by 4 p.m.
Qualifying as a Métis. Available online at:
http://www.canadianmetis.com/Qualifying.htm.
[for Learning Activity 1]
Provincial Métis Council. Available online at:
http://www.mn-s.ca/pages/governance.html. [for
Learning Activity 2]
Métis, non-status Indian ruling could cost 'billions.'
Available online at:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/m%C3%A9tisnon-status-indian-ruling-could-cost-billions1.1319948. [for Learning Activity 3]
Page 5 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
Week
6
Module
Module 8:
Towards an
Aboriginal
Order of
Government
(June 8-12)
Readings
Government of Canada, Royal Commission on
Aboriginal Peoples. “Governance.” Report of the
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Vol. 2
(part 1, chapter 3), sub 2.1-2.3. Ottawa: Canada
Communication Group,1996. Available online at
http://www.aadncaandc.gc.ca/eng/1307458586498
Miller, J.R. “‘According to Our Ancient Customs’:
Treaties.” In Lethal Legacy: Current Native
Controversies in Canada. Toronto: McClelland &
Stewart (2004): 52-105. [Textbook]
Evaluation Due
Date
Student
discussion
response due
by Friday,
June 12 by
4 p.m.
Term paper due
Friday, June 12
by 4 p.m.
Canadian War Museum’s historical overview on
Aboriginal service members. Available online at:
http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/guerr
e/first-nations-e.aspx [for Learning Activity 1]
7
Module 9:
Case Study
Yukon
(June 15-June
19)
Government of Canada, Royal Commission on
Aboriginal Peoples. “Governance.” Report of the
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples vol. 2
(part 1, chapter 3), pp. 245-310, sub. 3.1 - 3.2.
Canada Communication Group: Ottawa, 1996.
Available online at
http://www.aadncaandc.gc.ca/eng/13074585864
98
Student
discussion
response due
Friday, June 19
by 4 p.m.
What, then, is governance? Available online at:
https://www.aadncaandc.gc.ca/eng/1346781914593/134678214107
5 [for Learning Activity 2]
Teslin Tlingit Council Business Development.
Available online at:
http://www.ttlp.com/index.php?navigate=showab
outusitem&titlepart=about&aboutusitem=12 [for
Learning Activity 3]
Page 6 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
Week
Module
7
Module 10:
Aboriginal
Organizations
(June 12-19)
8
FINAL EXAM
Readings
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples. Available online at
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/
DRIPS_en.pdf
Evaluation Due
Date
Student
discussion
response due
by Friday, June
19th
4 p.m.
Wednesday,
June 24th
Online
Note: If for any reason the Class Syllabus Reading List does not match the Module Reading
List, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
Grading Scheme
Weekly Discussions
Critical Article Review
Research Paper
Final Exam
Total
20%
15%
30%
35%
100%
Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at:
http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php
Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students.
More information on University policy related to grading and examinations can be found at:
http://policies.usask.ca/policies/academic-affairs/academic-courses.php
The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the
learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing
these aspirations by students, instructors, and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter
can be found at: http://policies.usask.ca/documents/LearningCharter.pdf
Evaluation Components
CCDE Writing Centre - Quality writing help for free! Anyone taking a distance class (online, independent studies, televised, or multi–mode delivery)
administered by the CCDE can use this free service. The Writing Centre provides tools and
support to help you write effective essays, reports, or reviews. Simply submit a project draft, and
a qualified tutor will assess your work and offer advice to improve your project. Contact the
CCDE Writing Centre at http://www.ccde.usask.ca/writing Page 7 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
Critical Article Review
Description: Value: 15% of final grade
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Purpose:
Development of critical writing skills.
Description:
Harding, R. (2005) "The media, Aboriginal people, and common sense" Canadian
Journal of Native Studies 25 (1) pp. 311-335. (See Assignments area in BBd for this
article.)
Instructions for Completing the MA:
Using this guide (http://library.queensu.ca/inforef/criticalreview.htm) and this guide
(https://ctl.utsc.utoronto.ca/twc/sites/default/files/CritReview.pdf), you will write a 1200 word
critical article review.
A marking rubric will be provided for students on Blackboard.
Student Discussion Responses
Value:
Due Date:
Purpose:
20% of final grade
See Class Schedule
Student-developed questions to enhance the Required Readings.
Description:
1. Student Discussion Leader:
• Each student will be required to submit a discussion question for a Module. The
question will be posted for peer response.
• Students will email the instructor to sign up for a Module in which they will create
a discussion question.
• This question is to be original, based on the Module readings, and is worth 10%
of their final grade.
• Students must email the instructor to sign up during Week 1 (Introduction).
Discussion Leader Schedule:
For submission to instructor via email:
Module 1 (Politics of Aboriginal Governance):, Wednesday, MAY 13 at 4 p.m.
Module 2 (Introduction to Aboriginal Governance): Wednesday, MAY 20 at 4 p.m.
Module 3 (Colonialism): Monday MAY 25 at 4 p.m.
Module 4 (Treaties): Wednesday, MAY 27 at 4 p.m.
Module 5 (Indian Act): Monday, JUNE 1 at 4 p.m.
Module 6 (Section 35): Wednesday JUNE 3 at 4 p.m.
Module 7 (Metis): Monday, JUNE 8 at 4 p.m.
Module 8 (Aboriginal Order of Government): Wednesday, JUNE 10 at 4 p.m.
Module 9 (Yukon): Monday, JUNE 15 at 4 p.m.
Module 10 (Aboriginal Organizations): Wednesday JUNE 17 at 4 p.m.
Page 8 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
2. Student Discussion Response:
• Students will be required to answer a discussion question posted on the Blackboard
discussion thread EACH FRIDAY
• Each Module response is worth 1%, for a total of 10% of their final grade.
• Answers should be approximately 250 words and directly relate the reading material
to the question.
• Late answers will be penalized.
Discussion Response Due Dates:
Friday, May 8: No assignment
Friday, May 15: Module 1 Discussion Question response due
Friday, May 22: Module 2 Discussion Question response due
Friday, May 29th: No assignments due* (Break)
*Monday, June 1: Module 3 and 4 Discussion Question response due
Friday, June 5: Module 5 and 6 Discussion Question response due
Friday, June 12: Module 7 and 8 Discussion Question response due
Friday, June 19: Module 9 and 10 Discussion Question response due
Research Paper
Value:
30% of final grade
Due Date:
See Class Schedule.
Purpose:
The research paper is an opportunity for students to choose a topic of interest
about which to conduct individual independent research. It should demonstrate that the student
has expanded their personal knowledge base about Aboriginal governance and politics and has
communicated his/her knowledge through standard written academic format (additional details
and requirements to be provided to students prior to the due date).
Description: The research paper should be no longer than 2,500 words, single-spaced.
Assignments must use proper in-text citation (APA) and a minimum of 3 academic research
sources. Paper topics should reflect a subject covered in one of the weekly Modules (e.g.
“Indian Act”, “Metis politics”, “Section 35”, “Treaties”). The topic is at the student’s discretion, but
students are encouraged to email the instructor for approval of their topic and thesis statement.
Please use Arial 11 font and include your name, student number, and paper title at the top of
the first page (no title page required).
Late or Missed Assignment Policy: Due by 4 p.m. on date specified. Late assignments will
be deducted 10% per week late. In the event that a student is unable to meet the Research
Paper due date, alternate arrangements can be made (without mark penalty) if he/she is able to
provide documentation of medical or compassionate grounds.
Final Examination:
Value:
35% of final grade
Date:
See Class Schedule
Purpose:
The final exam is designed to assess how well students have synthesized their
readings and discussions to expand their understandings of Aboriginal governance and politics.
Description: The final exam will be open-book, online, and comprehensive. It is essay-style
questions, to be answered in a maximum of 750 words per question.
Page 9 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
Late or Missed Exam Policy: In the event a student misses the Final Exam sitting,
supplemental exams can be made up (without mark penalty) if he/she is able to provide
documentation of medical or compassionate grounds.
Submitting Assignments
Assignments need to be submitted electronically using the Blackboard Assignments Tool.
Save your file as “.doc” or “.docx” and submit it as an attachment in the Blackboard
Assignments Tool. Further information is provided in your online course.
Please note that assignments need to be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on the due date.
All assignments submitted after the due date are subject to the specified late penalties. Late
assignments will be graded but will not receive comments or written feedback.
You should keep a personal copy of all assignments submitted.
Additional Information
Students must pass a minimum of the Research Paper and the Final Exam in order to be
eligible to receive a passing grade for this course.
Students can view their Assessments page online to access the marking sheets to be used by
the facilitator for each Assignment.
Students with Disabilities
If you have a diagnosed disability (learning, medical, physical, or mental health), you are strongly
encouraged to register with Disability Services for Students (DSS). In order to access DSS
programs and supports, you must follow DSS policy and procedures. If you suspect you may
have a disability, contact DSS for advice and referrals. For more information,
see http://www.students.usask.ca/disability/ or contact DSS at 306-966-7273 or [email protected].
Integrity Defined (from the Office of the University Secretary)
“Integrity is expected of all students in their academic work – class participation, examinations,
assignments, research, practica – and in their non-academic interactions and activities as well.”
(Office of the University Secretary)
It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan Guidelines for
Academic Conduct. More information is available at
http://www.usask.ca/secretariat/student-conduct-appeals/IntegrityDefined.pdf
Module Objectives
Module 1: The Politics of Aboriginal Identity
1. Explain the basic concept and components of identity.
2. Explore the political implications of identity for Aboriginal and state governance.
Page 10 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
3.
4.
5.
6.
Analyze why local/community definitions of Aboriginal identity often differ from state
definitions.
Critically assess the problems associated with concepts of identity restricted to culture and
nationalism.
Evaluate the role that media and arts play in identity formation and promotion.
Investigate present and future challenges to the self-determination of Aboriginal identity.
Module 2: Introduction to Aboriginal Governance
1. Evaluate the importance of discourse on Aboriginal self-government in Canadian state
and social relations.
2. Assess motivations that underpin demands for increased representation of Aboriginal
peoples within Canadian state and society.
3. Explore the key features of the contemporary political environment facing Aboriginal
peoples and their governments.
4. Compare the complexity and diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their interests.
5. Assess the important role that traditional forms and practices of governance continue to
play in modern Aboriginal societies.
Module 3: Colonialism
1. Examine the concept of colonialism.
2. Explain key features of the legacy of colonialism in Aboriginal communities.
3. Assess how colonialism in its various political, economic, cultural, social, and spiritual
contexts has affected Aboriginal identity.
Module 4: Treaty Relationships
1. Assess the complexities of Treaties and Treaty relationships.
2. Contrast the different methods of interpreting Treaties within the Canadian constitutional
framework.
3. Compare key political issues and competing interests involved in the negotiation of
historical Treaties.
Module 5: Indian Act
1. Investigate the Indian Act from an historical perspective.
2. Contrast the conflicting values and principles between Aboriginal and colonial
governments contained within the Indian Act.
3. Identify how the Indian Act affected leadership selection and membership status in
Aboriginal communities.
4. Identify examples of gender discrimination within Indian Act membership and status
provisions.
5. Assess the Royal Commission’s perspectives on Indian Act reform, amendment or
renewal processes.
Module 6: Section 35, Constitution Act
1. Explore the meaning and content of section 35 (s.35) of the Canadian Constitution Act,
1982.
2. Compose political and/or legal impacts of s.35 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982.
3. Investigate principles of interpretation developed by the courts regarding s.35 of the
Canadian Constitution Act, 1982.
Page 11 of 12
POLS 222.3 – Aboriginal Governance and Politics
Module 7: Métis Self Determination
1. Investigate the historical background of the Métis in Canada.
2. Identify the existing governance structures of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan.
3. Examine the basic structure of the Métis in Saskatchewan as laid out in the Métis Act
and the Constitution of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan.
4. Discuss governance issues faced by the Métis Nation.
5. Examine developments in legal recognition of Métis status in Canada.
Module 8: Towards an Aboriginal Order of Government
1. Explain the concept of self-government.
2. Explain the importance of historical forms of government on modern aspirations of selfgovernment.
3. Compare different conceptions and visions of self-government on the continuum of selfgovernment.
Module 9: Northern Aboriginal Governance
1. Assess First Nations’ motivation to enter into self-government agreements.
2. Recommend benefits for self-governing and self-determining Aboriginal communities.
3. Explore challenges involved in the negotiation and implementation of Aboriginal selfgovernment agreements.
4. Assess the current status of self-government in Yukon Territory.
Module 10: Aboriginal Organizations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Examine the history and evolution of Aboriginal organizations in Canada.
Rate different political strategies used by various Aboriginal organizations.
Assess how unique visions of nationalism have affected Aboriginal organizing.
Assess why Aboriginal organizations must achieve legitimacy to be effective.
Identify functions and objectives of political lobbying.
Assess the impact of Aboriginal organizations within Canadian politics.
Acknowledgments
Course Authors
Anna Hunter, Department of Political Studies, University of Saskatchewan
Revisions 2013-14:
Nicole Wegner, Department of Political Studies, University of Saskatchewan
Instructional Designers
Mary Dykes, CCDE, University of Saskatchewan
Revisions 2013-14:
Jeanette McKee, Centre for Continuing & Distance Education, University of Saskatchewan
Page 12 of 12