Resurgence and Reconciliation: Indigenous-Settler Relations and Earth Teachings

by Michael Asch (Editor), John Borrows (Editor), James H. Tully (Editor)

The two major schools of thought in Indigenous-Settler relations on the ground, in the courts, in public policy, and in research are resurgence and reconciliation. Resurgence refers to practices of Indigenous self-determination and cultural renewal whereas reconciliation refers to practices of reconciliation between Indigenous and Settler nations, such as nation-with-nation treaty negotiations. Reconciliation also refers to the sustainable reconciliation of both Indigenous and Settler peoples with the living earth as the grounds for both resurgence and Indigenous-Settler reconciliation.

Critically and constructively analyzing these two schools from a wide variety of perspectives and lived experiences, this volume connects both discourses to the ecosystem dynamics that animate the living earth. Resurgence and Reconciliation is multi-disciplinary, blending law, political science, political economy, women's studies, ecology, history, anthropology, sustainability, and climate change. Its dialogic approach strives to put these fields in conversation and draw out the connections and tensions between them.

By using “earth-teachings” to inform social practices, the editors and contributors offer a rich, innovative, and holistic way forward in response to the world’s most profound natural and social challenges. This timely volume shows how the complexities and interconnections of resurgence and reconciliation and the living earth are often overlooked in contemporary discourse and debate.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2018

Reviews

[Brenda D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does "Reconciliation and Resurgence" mean? It is the potential for new ways of being and interacting which has the potential to transform and bring about very different but possible futures. Understanding treaty relationships through a different lens based on Indigenous traditions and teachings, it is possible to re-vision a new way of being between peoples in this land and "all my relations" (recognizing the need for relationship which encompasses all of the natural world).

This book is an invaluable academic resource, clearly written and demonstrating extensive thought and research (there are extensive references and footnotes) about complex issues and yet it is very readable. While the entire book merits attention, it should be noted that all of the writers reference three key authors (Asch, Burrows & Tully) who set out the central themes of this book in the Introduction and first three Chapters. This part of the book is a MUST READ for it is AMAZING!

[Ian Johnston]

Co-led discussion again this week with this book, and oh boy was that a rough experience on the day after Election Day. So much of this book was about moving beyond theory into praxis, which as I was reading felt incredibly inspiring and empowering. It felt like an incredibly relevant text at this point in the semester after everything else we’d read, but also just in general. But oh wow my entire view of this book shifted when I woke up Wednesday morning; it’s really hard to feel empowered in a time like this. But nonetheless we met, and even though it was difficult and a little bumpy, I think it was nice. It made me 1) so incredibly thankful for the community I have at oberlin and 2) realize that while our political state is very scary, it’s not an excuse to get discouraged (at least not long term). And that’s what I’m trying to hold on to to keep me motivated and focused as of recent 🙏🏻



Content wise, I thought this was incredible, if a bit dense at times (to be expected tho). Def want to come back to this

[Charlotte Toyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful collection of teachings that touch on a wide variety of topics that add towards Reconciliation. A bit dry in parts but overall a very fulfilling read