Indigenous Peoples in Liberal Democratic States: A Comparative Study of Conflict and Accommodation in Canada and India

by H. Srikanth

Indigenous Peoples in Liberal Democratic States is a comparative study of the interactions between indigenous peoples and political regimes of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and the hill areas of composite Assam, India. Utilizing historical, comparative and analytical methods, the book throws light on the major concerns, achievements and failures of the indigenous peoples' movements in Canada and India. By shedding light on the impact of colonial and post-colonial regimes on indigenous communities, the book critically evaluates different policies and strategies pursued in these countries to accommodate indigenous peoples fighting for protection of aboriginal rights. By analyzing Native resistance movements and State responses to these movements, the book explores the potentialities and limits of liberal democracies in addressing issues raised by indigenous movements for self-determination. The central themes are examined in light of contemporary discourses on the rights of indigenous people. Indigenous Peoples in Liberal Democratic States is an essential book for specialists and non-specialists alike, and it will interest all readers who are concerned about relationships between indigenous peoples and States. H. Srikanth earned his doctoral degree in Political Science from the University of Hyderabad, India. He is presently teaching at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India. His areas of research interests include political economy, ethnicity, identity politics and social movements. The present book is the result of a research project undertaken by the author as Canadian Studies Faculty Research Fellow.

262 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2010

Reviews

[Ishita · Rating 2 out of 5]

A newer field of scholarship, this comparative analysis lays out the historical bones of colonialism in the hills of Assam, India, and in BC, Canada. While comparisons are made, and similarities and differences are noted, this book lacks in analysis, and could do with more insight into the reasoning behind the differing treatments of British colonialism. While the intention behind the study is undoubtedly benign, colonial thought is pervasive throughout, and the research does not adhere to a decolonizing view or framework. Overall, a good initial step in looking at what can be learned from the colonial histories of both India and Canada.