Colonial Policies and Indigenous Women in Canada

Abstract

Indigenous women are the most vulnerable members of Canadian society, experiencing poverty, violence and despair. The statistics are alarming, revealing a high number of Indigenous women who fall prey to colonial policies and legislation that seek to further marginalise and criminalise them. Indigenous peoples make up 4% of the Canadian population, with incarcerated Indigenous women counting for 39% federally and 41% provincially. Statistics from 2001 to 2012 show an increase of incarcerated Indigenous women, which went up by 109% and continues to grow. The racialisation of incarcerated Indigenous women is not new, leaving them susceptible to unfair treatment in jail, particularly experiences of segregation or solitary confinement. Labelled high-risk “offenders,” Indigenous women often serve their entire sentence while their counterparts do not. More likely than not these Indigenous inmates are also mothers to children who are less than the age of 18 years; sadly, these children will likely be placed in long-term foster care. The vicious cycle of colonialism and oppression continues to dominate the lives of Indigenous women, making them more likely to reoffend. As the number of incarcerated Indigenous women increases, so do the gaps in the justice system. This paper seeks to explore neo-colonial policies and legislation behind the mass incarceration of Indigenous women in Canada. Through stories and literature, the reader will gain a better understanding of the urgent issues facing incarcerated Indigenous women.

This chapter is dedicated to the beautiful and strong Nuu-chah-nulth women (listed and unlisted), whose lives were violently impacted by colonialism. Your memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who love you forever.

Remembering you with a smile, gratitude, love, and respect:

Martha Smith (Ehattesaht)

Clara Mae Rush (Uchucklesaht)

Pauline Johnson (Mowachaht)

Karen Amos (Hesquiaht)

Laurie Johnson (Mowachat)

Kyla John (Ehattesaht)

Marilyn Amos McCallum (Hesquiaht)

Bonnie Amos (Hesquiaht)

Patricia John (Ehattesaht)

Georgina John (Ehattesaht)

Glossary

ʔiiḥatisatḥ

Ehattesaht.

ʔiiḥatisaqsup

Woman of Ehattesaht.

hishuk-ist-tsawalk

Everything is one and connected.

Nuu-chah-nulth

Row of Mountains facing the ocean and the identified territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth people.

sii-yaa-ilth-supt

Having a vision for the people guided by the ancestors.

tiławis tacumł

House of grey whales.

yaa-yuk-miss

Love-pain.