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Abstract / Résumé
This paper focuses on both the individual and structural determinants of Aboriginal identity in the Canadian context. The paper discusses three theoretical approaches to identity and assesses their relevance for Aboriginal people. A brief assessment of the historical conditions leading to contemporary Aboriginal identity also is presented. A detailed analysis of what Aboriginal identity means and how it has changed over the past century is then presented. Finally, a discussion on how Aboriginal people are coping and reclaiming their identity is presented and what it means for creating a healthy people.
Le présent article se concentre sur les déterminants individuels et structurels de l'identité autochtone dans le contexte canadien. Il propose une discussion de trois approches théoriques de l'identité et une évaluation de leur pertinence pour les Autochtones. Il présente également une brève évaluation des conditions historiques qui ont mené à l'identité autochtone contemporaine, ainsi qu'une analyse détaillée de ce qui définit l'identité autochtone et de son évolution au cours du dernier siècle. Finalement, l'article présente comment les Autochtones composent avec leur situation et récupèrent leur identité et ce que signifie un tel travail pour le développement d'un peuple en santé.
Introduction
While considerable theoretical writings have focused on the concept of "identity," there has been little focus on Aboriginality as an identity. What is lacking is a basic understanding of Aboriginal identity,- the contextual basis for contemporary Aboriginal identity and the conditions that have created the new emergent identity Aboriginal people are exhibiting (Adams, 1 999; Chandler, et al, 2003; Valaskis, 2005). This includes an understanding of generational differences, differences among various sub-groups of Aboriginal people (e.g., Indian, lnuit, Métis) the differences in Aboriginal identity that are exhibited in people who live in urban and rural settings, and the differences in identity of Aboriginal males and females.
Identity is a multifaceted concept that allows individuals living in a diverse society such as Canada to choose to identify in a variety ways (e.g., ethnic, occupation, religion, sex). Criteria for membership in any group can include, among other things, self-categorization or identification, descent, specific cultural traits such as custom or language and a social organization for interaction both within the group and with people outside the group. In this paper, our focus...