Module 1 - Belanger Ch 2

Question 1

What is one of the first lessons a child receives according to Chief John Snow?

Answer 1

The importance of respecting all things in creation

Chief John Snow emphasizes the role of the Great Spirit in Indigenous teachings.

Question 2

What term has been used historically to describe Indigenous peoples in North America?

Answer 2

Indian

The term ‘Indian’ has since been replaced by ‘Aboriginal,’ ‘First Nation,’ or ‘Indigenous.’

Question 3

What does Thomas King suggest about the term ‘Indian’?

Answer 3

There has never been a good collective noun because there never was a collective to begin with

This highlights the socio-political complexity of Indigenous societies.

Question 4

What governance model did the Iroquois Confederacy utilize?

Answer 4

A bicameral council

Women played influential political roles within this governance structure.

Question 5

How did smaller Prairie communities typically organize their leadership?

Answer 5

Embraced hereditary leadership models

This was influenced by their reliance on buffalo as a primary economic resource.

Question 6

What is political economy?

Answer 6

The study of how societies balance politics, law, and economics

It uncovers the interplay among these elements and who benefits from them.

Question 7

What does political economy from an Indigenous perspective study?

Answer 7

The environment’s influence on Indigenous political institutions and economic ideologies

It considers ecological forces and the dynamics associated with Creation.

Question 8

What does the chapter aim to provide context for?

Answer 8

Understanding the ruptures to Indigenous societies caused by colonialism

It also sets the stage for evaluating post-contact Indigenous development.

Question 9

What is a central theme in Vine Deloria, Jr.’s perspective on authority?

Answer 9

The need to become the sole source of truth for society

This includes defending their status against rival interpretations.

Question 10

What portrayal of Indigenous peoples is critiqued in the text?

Answer 10

That they were barbarous, savage, and unable to socially evolve

This reflects a broader colonial agenda aimed at justifying the removal of Indigenous peoples.

Question 11

What barriers exist to understanding Indigenous cultures?

Answer 11

Eurocentric and ethnocentric ideas

These ideas create misunderstandings and hinder the formation of positive partnerships.

Question 12

How have Indigenous peoples been classified in relation to Western standards?

Answer 12

According to scales measuring societal advances influenced by the Industrial Revolution

This frames Indigenous cultures as inferior.

Question 13

What does the ecological context refer to in Indigenous knowledge?

Answer 13

The relationship between ecological order and Indigenous political and economic traditions

It emphasizes observation and interaction with nature.

Question 14

What is the significance of Indigenous languages?

Answer 14

They reflect ecological context and contain cultural stories dating back to Creation

Approximately 213,500 people report an Indigenous mother tongue today.

Question 15

What happens to individuals who lose their language due to dislocation?

Answer 15

They may feel disconnected from Creation

This disconnection can occur even if they reside on their traditional territory.

Question 16

What is a key aspect of Indigenous political and economic processes?

Answer 16

They are shaped by the environment

This influences how resources are harvested and how political processes are formulated.

Question 17

What does Vine Deloria state about revelation?

Answer 17

It occurs at a particular place, not as a universal truth

Certain places have a qualitative holiness over others.

Question 18

What does Vine Deloria suggest about the importance of land to North American Indigenous peoples?

Answer 18

Land is a source of revelation and qualitative holiness that shapes community identity.

Deloria emphasizes that revelation occurs at specific places, making them significant for the community’s experience.

Question 19

What are the six main geographic zones of Canada as mentioned in the text?

Answer 19

• Arctic
• Subarctic
• Northeast
• Plains
• Plateau
• Northwest Coast

These zones support the idea that diverse Indigenous cultures developed in relation to their specific ecological contexts.

Question 20

How do geographic contexts influence Indigenous political and economic ideologies?

Answer 20

Indigenous groups in similar environments may develop different political and economic ideologies due to varying topographies and ecological contexts.

For example, Cree in the prairies and northern Quebec may differ significantly despite being in similar ecological zones.

Question 21

What misconception about Indigenous peoples does the text address?

Answer 21

The misconception that Indigenous peoples were aimless wanderers with little or no specialized governance structures.

This idea has been propagated by some political scientists and authors who claim Indigenous societies lacked complexity.

Question 22

According to the text, what do most North American Indigenous political traditions emphasize?

Answer 22

An absence of power relations and the importance of maintaining relationships among all living beings.

This contrasts with hierarchical and coercive systems often found in European governance.

Question 23

What is the significance of kinship in Indigenous political philosophies?

Answer 23

Kinship emphasizes mutual responsibility for all of Creation rather than strict geographic boundaries.

This leads to reciprocal relationships among all entities within a given territory.

Question 24

What role does consensus play in Indigenous governance?

Answer 24

Consensus is achieved through calm political dialogues and community participation, without binding decisions.

Individuals could leave the community if they disagreed with decisions, promoting autonomy.

Question 25

True or False: Indigenous leaders had centralized authority and could compel others to follow their decisions.

Answer 25

False ## Footnote Leaders were expected to guide by example and could not impose their will on the community.

Question 26

What is the relationship between personal economic independence and political power in Indigenous societies?

Answer 26

Personal economic independence ensures that political leaders cannot deprive families of their economic well-being, preventing shifts in political balance. ## Footnote This reflects a system where self-interest and community good are intertwined.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: Most Indigenous peoples viewed _______ as futile and dangerous madness.

Answer 27

[materialism] ## Footnote This perspective is in contrast to capitalist ideals of individual wealth accumulation.

Question 28

What was the role of trade in Indigenous societies?

Answer 28

Trade fulfilled material needs, maintained political alliances, and was a systematic process, not just a result of surplus. ## Footnote Trade networks extended across North America, linking various communities.

Question 29

What was the purpose of the potlatch ceremony among some Indigenous groups?

Answer 29

To give away accumulated goods, reinforcing social status and community ties. ## Footnote Accumulation of wealth was often seen as temporary and linked to social obligations.

Question 30

In what way did the Saulteaux economy reflect environmental stewardship?

Answer 30

The Saulteaux practiced sustainable resource use, ensuring that natural resources remained accessible and were not over-exploited. ## Footnote They adhered to principles that fostered ecological balance.

Question 31

What challenges do contemporary Indigenous leaders face regarding governance models?

Answer 31

The imposition of the band-council model contradicts historic governance processes and encourages political ambition and economic greed. ## Footnote This model has coincided with socio-economic depression in Indigenous communities.

Question 32

What is a key characteristic of leadership in Indigenous communities?

Answer 32

Leaders are coordinators and role models rather than authoritative figures. ## Footnote They lead by example and maintain harmony within the community.

Question 33

How did political structures vary among Indigenous nations?

Answer 33

Some nations had hierarchical models with ranked families, while others operated on egalitarian principles. ## Footnote Governance systems could be complex, reflecting the diversity of Indigenous cultures.

Question 34

What was the significance of public opinion in Indigenous governance?

Answer 34

Public opinion and ridicule were used to maintain self-discipline and encourage adherence to community norms. ## Footnote This helped prevent the concentration of power in any one individual.

Question 35

What were the main trade items exchanged for oolichan oil?

Answer 35

Shells, paint, and religious and secular artifacts ## Footnote Oolichan oil was a significant trade item due to its high nutritional value and uses.

Question 36

What is the Tsimshian term for oolichan?

Answer 36

hali’mootk ## Footnote It translates to 'saviour fish'.

Question 37

How many blankets could one box of oolichan grease garner?

Answer 37

Four blankets ## Footnote This illustrates the high value of oolichan oil in trade.

Question 38

What were 'grease trails'?

Answer 38

Trade highways used for transporting oolichan grease ## Footnote These routes facilitated trade and contact among Indigenous communities.

Question 39

Which regions are covered in the overview of Canada’s geographic regions?

Answer 39

Arctic, Subarctic, Northeast, and Plains ## Footnote Each region has distinct political and economic models.

Question 40

What was the primary economic activity in the Arctic during winter?

Answer 40

Breathing-hole sealing ## Footnote This was due to the absence of large sea mammals.

Question 41

What types of animals were hunted by the Inuit in the Arctic?

Answer 41

Caribou, fish, sea mammals ## Footnote Seasonal hunting strategies were employed based on ecological conditions.

Question 42

What resource management practices were common among the Inuit?

Answer 42

Harvesting only needed plants and avoiding waste ## Footnote Protocols ensured sustainability of resources.

Question 43

Who typically headed family groups among the Inuit?

Answer 43

Men of influence ## Footnote Women also held significant political and ceremonial roles.

Question 44

What were the main resources for the Dene in the Subarctic?

Answer 44

Caribou and moose ## Footnote These resources provided meat, hides, and tools.

Question 45

What is a significant feature of the political structure in the Subarctic?

Answer 45

Diversity of nations and governance structures ## Footnote The region's vastness contributes to its political complexity.

Question 46

What were the primary economic activities in the Northeast?

Answer 46

Hunting, fishing, and some farming ## Footnote The economy was diverse due to abundant resources.

Question 47

What role did children play in Northeast Indigenous communities?

Answer 47

Participated in economic activities to learn skills ## Footnote This included interaction with experienced community members.

Question 48

What was the primary political structure in the Plains?

Answer 48

Small, politically autonomous communities ## Footnote These communities were guided by key leaders without a central authority.

Question 49

What was a common political practice among Plains nations?

Answer 49

Forming informal councils of leaders ## Footnote Leaders were chosen based on merit and generosity.

Question 50

What was the significance of buffalo to Plains Indigenous nations?

Answer 50

Provided food, clothing, housing, tools ## Footnote Buffalo were central to their economy and way of life.

Question 51

Fill in the blank: The Ojibwa divided their time between the Plains and the _______.

Answer 51

eastern parklands ## Footnote This reflects their mobility and adaptation to different environments.

Question 52

True or False: War was a common occurrence among Northeast Indigenous nations.

Answer 52

False ## Footnote Regular warfare was not common, although skirmishes occurred.

Question 53

What type of environment characterized the Arctic region?

Answer 53

Rolling hills, tundra, coastal plains, arctic seas ## Footnote These geographical features influenced the economy and lifestyle of Indigenous peoples.

Question 54

What was a key resource management strategy in the Subarctic?

Answer 54

Seasonal rounds for resource gathering ## Footnote This practice ensured sustainable use of the environment.

Question 55

What were the main economic activities of the Beothuk?

Answer 55

Hunting, fishing, and gathering ## Footnote Birch was vital for various constructions.

Question 56

What was the political focus of village leaders in the Northeast?

Answer 56

Local populations and internal affairs ## Footnote Leaders emphasized political autonomy.

Question 57

What characterized the Cree bands in terms of mobility and leadership?

Answer 57

Cree bands were highly mobile, with fluid membership, and leadership was based on war record, generosity, wealth, and hunting ability. ## Footnote Community leaders were not political leaders but respected men, and bands could have multiple leaders.

Question 58

What was the significance of horses for the Blackfoot Confederacy?

Answer 58

Horses allowed the Blackfoot to develop efficient hunting techniques and expand territorial claims. ## Footnote Before horses, Blackfoot traversed their territory on foot.

Question 59

What was the main political structure of the Blackfoot culture?

Answer 59

The political culture centered on the band, with recognized leaders maintaining political, economic, and social stability. ## Footnote Leading men and women held regular meetings to maintain open dialogue.

Question 60

What types of climates are found in the Plateau region?

Answer 60

The Plateau region features severe winters and extremely hot summers, with varying topography and geology across ten distinct sub-regions. ## Footnote Some areas have fertile soils, while others are desert.

Question 61

What were the key components of the Plateau's economy?

Answer 61

The economy was mixed, involving fishing, harvesting roots and berries, and hunting game animals, with resource-management schemes in place. ## Footnote Salmon fisheries management allowed some fish to escape upstream before harvesting.

Question 62

What political values were emphasized in the Plateau region?

Answer 62

The political culture emphasized pacifism, egalitarianism, and communal ownership of land. ## Footnote Authority was exercised through labor and power divisions, not coercive measures.

Question 63

What was the role of chiefs in the Plateau region?

Answer 63

Chiefs were inherited positions whose influence depended on community support, with women of leading families also holding high rank. ## Footnote Leadership qualities included honesty, sound judgment, and arbitration skills.

Question 64

What characterized the governance of the Northwest Coast Indigenous groups?

Answer 64

Governance focused on related families using a common territory, with chieftainships appointed by councils of elders. ## Footnote Chiefs were expected to ensure community well-being and formal recognition of rank.

Question 65

What was the significance of the Peacemaker in Iroquois history?

Answer 65

The Peacemaker formed the Iroquois League to end wars among the five nations and establish peace through the Great Law. ## Footnote The Great Law guided political and social interactions among the nations.

Question 66

What was the Grand Council in the Iroquois political structure?

Answer 66

The Grand Council was a 50-seat governing body selected by clan mothers, empowered to resolve disputes and treat with foreign nations. ## Footnote The council's decisions required consensus and included checks on chief authority.

Question 67

How did land ownership work within the Iroquois Confederacy?

Answer 67

Land was considered communal property managed by women, who allocated it to clans and families, redistributing it annually or upon request. ## Footnote Women also took responsibility for farming essential crops known as the Three Sisters.

Question 68

What was the primary economic activity among the Iroquois?

Answer 68

Men focused on hunting, trading, and warfare, while women managed agriculture and household responsibilities. ## Footnote The economy operated effectively through cooperation among community members.

Question 69

What was the primary method of exchange within the Iroquois Confederacy?

Answer 69

Gift giving based on reciprocity was the main mechanism of exchange, rather than trade. ## Footnote Clans established trade monopolies with external partners.

Question 70

Fill in the blank: For the Indians, land is not ______, but it can be shared.

Answer 70

purchasable

Question 71

What is the relationship between land and Indigenous political and economic development?

Answer 71

Land is central, viewed as a giver of life and a foundation for governance and economic strategies. ## Footnote Indigenous peoples developed economies rooted in agriculture, animal migration patterns, and trade.