Blockades or Breakthroughs?
Aboriginal Peoples Confront the Canadian State
by Yale D Belanger 
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Blockades have become a common response to Canada's failure to address and resolve the legitimate claims of First Nations. Blockades or Breakthroughs? debates the importance and effectiveness of blockades and occupations as political and diplomatic tools for Aboriginal people. The adoption of direct action tactics like blockades and occupations is predicated on the idea that something drastic is needed for Aboriginal groups to break an unfavourable status quo, overcome structural barriers, and achieve their goals. But are blockades actually "breakthroughs"? What are the objectives of Aboriginal people and communities who adopt this approach? How can the success of these methods be measured? This collection offers an in-depth survey of occupations, blockades, and their legacies, from 1968 to the present. Individual case studies situate specific blockades and conflicts in historical context, examine each group's reasons for occupation, and analyze the media labels and frames applied to both Aboriginal and state responses. Direct action tactics remain a powerful political tool for First Nations in Canada. The authors of Blockades or Breakthroughs? Argue that blockades and occupations are instrumental, symbolic, and complex events that demand equally multifaceted responses. Contributors include Yale D. Belanger, Tom Flanagan, Sarah King, P. Whitney Lackenbauer, David Rossiter, John Sandlos, Nick Shrubsole, and Timothy Winegard.
Political Science / World / Canadian
Social Science / Ethnic Studies / American / Indigenous Studies
Social Science / Sociology
About this Author
Yale D. Belanger is professor of political science at the University of Lethbridge and a member of the Royal Society of Canada, College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists. P. Whitney Lackenbauer is Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North at Trent University and co-director of the Centre on Foreign Policy and Federalism at St Jerome's University in the University of Waterloo.
Reviews
"An important text. For the first time, comprehensive historical analysis of major First Nations, Métis and Inuit-led direct-action resistance in Canada has been collected in one volume. A highly valuable resource to students and scholars of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations, as well as those interested in processes of nation-building. Weighted heavily towards historical analysis, the case studies [are] ripe for further analysis by scholars of gender, Indigenous studies, Canadian studies, and sociology." British Journal of Canadian Studies
"Blockades or Breakthroughs? is a valuable resource for understanding the conditions and concerns that inform aboriginal uses of direct action against a government that has historically sought to diminish First Nations' ability to assert sovereignty, and what the failures and successes of direct action have meant to Canada's First Nations." Pacific Northwest Quarterly
"This collection successfully establishes the multi-vocal and politically formidable nature of blockades and occupations, in the process adding much-needed depth to histories of Aboriginal direct action and stimulating meaningful conversation. By complicating and contextualizing blockades and occupations on both theoretical and practical levels, this volume explores the transformative potential of direct action. This innovative collection will appeal to a wide readership including those interested in Aboriginal issues in British Columbia. [With an] important examination of environmental politics and excellent reconsideration of the well-known Gustafsen Lake standoff [Blockades or Breakthroughs?] adds much to our understanding of the role played in direct action outcomes by media, state authorities, and internal Aboriginal political factionalism." BC Studies
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