Reflections on the rights of Canada’s Indigenous peoples: A quest for environmental justice

This study asserts that the Indian Act among others are the root causes for the persistent violation of indigenous peoples’ socio-cultural and environmental rights in Canada. They experience systemic marginalization including, environmental injustice, unsafe drinking water, inadequate housing, healthcare and basic services, land and natural resources and the freedom to practice their cultures. Their traditional practices and cultural heritage like the Indian festival and the powwow, the wearing of indigenous regalia, hunting of traditional foods, fishing and other cultural gatherings which allows them to retain their identity and traditional ways of life were outlawed. The study argues that although Canada is well known for its human rights diplomacy and globally recognized as the ‘banner holder’ of human rights however, adequately addressing the human rights of its indigenous people remains challenging especially regarding the right to a healthy environment that includes among others, the right to clean water and sanitation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Semie Sama

Student:

Partner:

University of Johannesburg

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Lakehead University

Program: