Summary

Settler-colonial structures dispossess, oppress and create dependency through land cessation agreements and treaties, the creation of reserves and bands, and aggressive assimilation. In the past, government policies and practices aimed to eliminate the so-called “Indian problem.” Some have argued that contemporary policies are not as overtly violent; nevertheless, reconciliation is a form of recolonization where Indigenous peoples are reduced to another hyphenated cultural group (i.e., Indigenous-Canadians) similar to Italian Canadians, and Caribbean Canadians. But, anti-Indigenous racism is different from other forms of racism because of the centrality of land. Until issues of land sovereignty are addressed substantively, reconciliation remains out of reach. Therefore, while equity, diversity and inclusion may be conceived as a positive move toward greater representation of Black, Indigenous and other racialized groups in public service and private and non-profit organizations, critical perspectives caution against premature conclusions, and the hard work remaining for Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous allies.