Grade 8 Social Studies PDF

20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 10 Understandings of Nation and Nationalism Alwyn Morris, a Kahnawake [guh-nuh-WAH-ga...

20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 10 Understandings of Nation and Nationalism Alwyn Morris, a Kahnawake [guh-nuh-WAH-gay] Mohawk, held up an eagle feather while receiving his medal at the 1984 Olympic Games. Of that moment, Morris said: Chapter “ I raised the feather to share that experience and identify the fact 1 that I was a Mohawk person, and I was very proud of that aspect; of being able to share that experience of being an Aboriginal person, share the aspect of my grandfather, and the honour that I wanted to bestow on him. ” And certainly from Canada’s perspective I was representing the country.1 By holding up the eagle feather, with whom was Morris sharing his win? If you were to hold up a symbol or make a gesture during an awards ceremony, what would it be? Share your response with others in the class. What symbols and gestures did other students share? What connections did you feel with their symbols and gestures? Chapter Issue To what extent do understandings of nation and nationalism vary? The first step toward understanding the relationships between identity, nation, and nationalism is to explore understandings of the concepts of nation and nationalism. What do these concepts mean to people in Canada and around the world? What do they mean to you? In this chapter you will explore a variety of understandings of these concepts, as well as what causes individuals to feel connected to others. The following inquiry questions will be used to guide your exploration: What is a nation? What is nationalism? This chapter will also help you develop a foundation for addressing the Main Issue for Part 1 (chapters 1–5): To what extent Figure 1-1 ▲ should nation be the foundation of identity? Canadian Alwyn Morris accepting a gold medal for 1000-metre K2 kayaking. 1 http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-41-1344-8109/sports/olympics_summer/clip3 10 Chapter 1: Understandings of Nation and Nationalism 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 11 Understandings of Nation PAUSE AND REFLECT Question for Inquiry Do you share common experiences with others in your What is a nation? class? Your community? Your province? Your country? The world? Think about If you asked a group of people to answer the question “What is a experiences you might have in nation?” you would likely get as many answers as there were people common with others. These in the group. The concept of nation has many understandings. When may be related to history, we think of the term, we often define it as it relates to the people culture, citizenship, ethnicity, or citizens of a country. Although citizenship may be a key part of language, or geography. one understanding of nation, there are many other understandings of the concept. A nation can be defined as a group of people who feel connections to one another in some way. As Harvard University Professor Rupert Emerson notes, “The simplest statement that can be made about a nation is that it is a body of people who feel that they are a nation”.2 This feeling of belonging or connection is an important part of what it means to identify as a nation, as what unites people is often something intangible. Benedict Anderson, a scholar of nationalism and international studies, has written that a nation: … is imagined because the members of even the smallest nation will never know most of their fellow-members, meet them, or even hear of them, yet in the minds of each lives the image of their communion.3 Nation, therefore, can be viewed as something found in the feelings and minds of people, an internal connection to others. One way to explore the many understandings of nation is by looking at what creates connections between individual members of a nation; for example, their shared experiences related to ethnic background and ancestry cultural values and beliefs history language(s) and communication religious or spiritual beliefs geography Figure 1-2 ▲ politics and citizenship There are many understandings of There is often overlap between these shared experiences. For nation. What does the concept mean to example, experiences related to ethnicity may include culture, you? language, and religion. 2 Rupert Emerson, From Empire to Nation—The Rise of Self-Assertion of Asian and African Peoples (Boston: Beacon Press, 1963). 3 Benedict Anderson, Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism, revised edition (London and New York: Verso, 1991), p. 6. Part 1 Issue: To what extent should nation be the foundation of identity? 11 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 12 Understanding the Concept of Nation How Nations Can Develop geography * * ry , * st nd an kgr nic * * ce ou his c h ba et * * t  * ory * *  *   *  * * * * * * * *   * *  * * *    Nation   spirit traditions * * belie es and  * religiol beliefs   and ral valu  fs ua us or cultu A group of people sense that Some may internalize the The people may then identify they share something in feeling, which generates a themselves as a nation. s), common: sense of belonging and pol ge( on citi itics a gua ati acceptance. Individuals may belong to zen nd ship lan munic ethnic background, ancestry, multiple nations. com history cultural values and beliefs Figure 1-3 ▲ language(s) and communication religious or spiritual beliefs Different understandings of the concept geography politics and citizenship of nation often focus on different types of shared experiences between the people of a nation. For example, some Figure 1-4 ▲ understandings may focus on connections related to citizenship, whereas others Nations can develop when a group of people sense that they share something in may focus on connections related to common and internalize that feeling. The resulting sense of belonging and acceptance language and culture. Any combination may lead them to identify as a nation. of these types of shared experiences may be found in an understanding of nation. Exploring Understandings of Nation When exploring different understandings of what it means for a group of PAUSE AND REFLECT people to be a nation, consider what connects the individual members to each other. Think about the types of experiences they might share. As Nation can refer to your country you review the quotations below, ask yourself the following question: or your connection to a group, What connections are described in each person’s definition of nation? and can be an important part of who you are. What groups do you feel connected to? Can you think Ernest Renan of any shared experiences you The 19th-century French philosopher Ernest Renan is famous for the might have with the members of definition of nation he gave in his 1882 discourse Qu’est-ce qu’une these groups? nation? (What is a Nation?). For Renan, a nation is primarily a group of people who have a desire to live together. They share a number of qualities that are part of a rich legacy, and as a group they “have done great things together and wish to do more.” In his lecture, Renan said: A nation is a soul, a spiritual principle. Only two things constitute this soul, this spiritual principle. One is the past … One is the possession in common of a rich legacy of remembrances; the other is the consent, the desire to live together, the will to continue to value the heritage which all hold in common.4 4 Ernest Renan, lecture at the Sorbonne, Paris, 11 March 1882. http://encyclopedia.stateuniversity.com/pages/231/-Joseph-Ernest-Renan.html. 12 Chapter 1: Understandings of Nation and Nationalism 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 13 What aspects of nation does Renan emphasize in his explanation Ernest Renan’s Understanding of Nation of the concept? For Renan, does nation have much to do with a geography people’s citizenship in a country, the language they speak, their ry , st nd an kgr nic ce ou hi s c h ba et political beliefs, their ancestry, or the place where they live? to ry Antonine Maillet Nation spiritutraditions belie es and religiol beliefs Acadian writer Antonine Maillet’s novels and plays have been and ral valu fs a us or translated into many languages from the original French. A graduate cultu of the Université de Moncton, Maillet is informally an ambassador of pol s), the Acadian people. She says: citi itics a ge( ion zen nd a ngua nicat ship l mu com Acadia needs to say what it is: that it is part of Canada, that it is part of America, that it is part of the international fraternity of Francophone Figure 1-5 ▲ nations, and that it therefore has its own place in the world—a place Which shared experiences does Ernest that is unique, just as each of the world’s peoples is unique.5 Renan focus on in his concept of nation? What aspects of nation does Maillet emphasize in her description of the Acadian nation? How does Maillet relate Acadia as a nation to geography or citizenship? N.S. Rajaram N.S. Rajaram is an author who writes about India’s history. When describing India as a nation, he says: What defines a nation is shared history and tradition … India is unique as a nation in that its sense of nationalism is founded on an age long spiritual concept of freedom and inclusiveness that has always been known as Sanatana Dharma [eternal natural law].6 Despite the variety of different languages, ethnicities, and political beliefs of the people of India, what does Rajaram consider to be the basis of India as a nation? Figure 1-6 ▲ Le Tintamarre (“the racket”) is a Douglas Coupland celebration that lets the world know that the Acadian nation has survived. Douglas Coupland is a Canadian author and artist who often reflects on the nature of Canada in his work. The following is an excerpt from his book Souvenir of Canada: I’d been thinking about the Canadian landscape, and then suddenly— craaaack!—in my head I was racing across Canada at a thousand kilometres a second: over the mountains that made the pioneers despair, Visit the Perspectives on Nationalism across the prairies that will remain flat until our sun goes supernova, website to learn about National over the rocks and roots of Ontario and Québec—and then down to the Acadian Day, another Acadian day of celebration. How might holidays such lunar gorges of Newfoundland … I was unable to move and saw a as Le Tintamarre and National 5 Antonine Maillet, on the Atlantic Cultural Space website, http://www.artsnb.ca/acsc/en/presenters.htm. Acadian Day foster a sense of nation 6 N.S. Rajaram. “Nationalism and Its Enemies.” India Independent Media Center. 19 September 2004. among Acadians? http://india.indymedia.org/en/2004/09/209741.shtml. Part 1 Issue: To what extent should nation be the foundation of identity? 13 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 14 PAUSE AND REFLECT lucid flashing sequence of my life in this country: the weather, soil, the plant life and animals … I was connecting with something vast— The quotations above illustrate connecting with all the people with whom I’ve ever shared the land.7 several understandings of nation. With a partner or in a Consider Coupland’s description of Canada. Have you experienced group, discuss these types of Canadian images? Does the sharing of similar images the thoughts about nation and experiences by Canadians make Canada a nation? presented in each quotation another quotation that offers Nation and Nation-State an understanding of nation What is the difference between a nation and a nation-state? your thoughts on the Whereas the concept of nation relates to something in the connections shared by the people of a nation feelings and minds of people or to an internal connection to others, the concept of nation-state is a more concrete, external concept. A nation-state is a territory with internationally recognized boundaries and a politically organized body of people under a sovereign government. Nation-states are considered sovereign because they Fast Facts are recognized by other nation-states as having the right to govern themselves independently. Nation-states are often countries, and There are more than 190 many different nations can exist within them. nation-states in the world, and more than 15 nations have When the people who live in a nation-state feel a connection to become nation-states since one another and a sense of belonging and acceptance, that nation-state 1990. What opportunities does can also be described as a nation. a nation have as a nation- Nation-states may or may not depend on people’s linguistic, state? ethnic, or cultural connections. Citizens of a nation-state live in a politically defined territory that operates with common legal and moral beliefs. For example, some beliefs and values that connect the people of the nation-state of Canada are PAUSE AND REFLECT a belief in democratic government the protection of rights and freedoms described in the Charter Based on the understanding that a of Rights and Freedoms (for example, language rights, freedom nation is a group of people who of expression, and freedom of religion) feel connected to one another a belief in the principles of a mixed economy because of their shared experiences, are nation-states Belonging to a nation-state can also provide individuals with a also nations? Form two groups sense of security because those who belong to the nation-state must and have one group brainstorm abide by a common set of laws. evidence supporting the idea that Many nation-states around the world are made up of cultural, nation-states are nations and linguistic, ethnic, and other nations that live together within the same have the other group brainstorm evidence challenging the idea. political framework. Examples include Belgium (the Flemish and Discuss the results of the Walloons) and China (the Han, Zhuang, Manchu, Tibetans, Mongols, brainstorming, remembering to and others). In geographically large countries with diverse nations— respect the points of view and such as India, Russia, the People’s Republic of China, or Canada— perspectives of others. why might the connections between members of the nation-state be challenged at certain times? 7 Douglas Coupland, Souvenir of Canada (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 2002), p. 48. 14 Chapter 1: Understandings of Nation and Nationalism 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 15 Nations within Canada Can members of diverse nations feel a bond with others in the same nation-state? An individual’s feeling of connection to others in his or her nation- state can evolve based on new experiences and exposure to new ideas. Below are some quotations from students who participated in government-initiated exchange programs under Exchanges Canada, part To read more accounts of students’ of the federal Heritage Department that brings together students from experiences and explore additional different communities, cultures, and language groups. The students understandings of nation, visit the provide their opinions on how living and meeting with diverse Canadians Perspectives on Nationalism website from regions across the country shaped their views on how connected and follow the links to Exchanges they are and what they share with others in this country. As you read Canada and Encounters with Canada. through the quotations, consider how the students’ experiences shaped their understandings of nation. When I share experiences with people from all over Canada, I feel that I am living in a community of diversity. Team building with people of all different backgrounds and places allowed me to form relationships and care about people all over Canada. I found differences between my peers, and also similarities.8 —Participant, Summer Work/Student Exchange It definitely made me feel more connected with the country after meeting someone from each province and territory.9 —Emily from New Brunswick, Exchanges Canada exchange program Everyone involved realized that although we all came from different parts of the country, with different political, economic and cultural differences, 1 What words and phrases do the that we all have so much in common. We are the same, have the same participants use to describe their hopes, dreams and goals. connections to Canada as a result —Organizer, National 4-H Citizenship Seminar of their experiences? Create a simple diagram or graphic for It really opens your eyes to the amount of diversity within the borders. You each quotation using these get acquainted with different cultures, that although 100% Canadian, could words and phrases. exist independently. It really makes you feel part of a great thing. 2 How would you describe each —Participant, Society for Educational Visits participant’s understanding of and Exchanges in Canada (SEVEC) Canada as a nation? 8 From: http://www.exchanges.gc.ca/Sharing_Experiences.asp?Language=0&MenuID=4. 9 From: http://www.encounters-rencontres.ca/overview_quotes.php. Part 1 Issue: To what extent should nation be the foundation of identity? 15 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 16 Fiji: Different Understandings of a Nation-State I N V E S TI GATI O N Something to Think About: How can people’s different understandings of nation lead to conflict? An Example: Fiji is a nation-state divided between two main nations, ethnic Fijians and Indo-Fijians. Ethnic Fijians are a people of Polynesian and Melanesian ancestry, and are largely Christian. Indo- N Fijians are descendants of Indian contract labourers brought to the FIJI islands by the British in the 19th century, and are largely Hindu and AUSTRALIA PACIFIC OCEAN Muslim. These two nations have very different cultures, religious beliefs, histories, and traditions, and are divided on what the nation- NEW 0 1000 km ZEALAND state of Fiji should be: an ethnic Fijian nation-state, an Indo-Fijian nation-state, or a nation-state that allows both nations to be recognized as equal yet different. Figure 1-7 ▲ Over the last two decades there have been four coups in Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands, in the South with the most recent occurring in 2006. The coups have stemmed Pacific Ocean. from efforts by Indo-Fijians to attain equal rights, and by ethnic Fijians to reduce the rights of Indo-Fijians. Perspectives Point of view of Sitiveni Rabuka (democratically elected ethnic Fijian prime minister of Fiji from 1992–1999), after staging two coups in 1987: I want the Indians to be converted to Christianity … It will be big challenge for us to convert them to Christianity … we either go that way, or they convert us and we all become heathens … Christianity must be the official religion of Fiji, because that is the religion chosen by the Fijians … Those who do not choose to become Christians can continue to live here, but they will probably find that it is a difficult place to live in.10 ▲ Figure 1-8 Ethnic Fijian coup leader George Speight claimed he was fighting for the nation-state of Fiji. Here Speight signs an agreement with military commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama to bring an end to Fiji’s hostage crisis of 2000. 10 Eddie Dean, Rabuka: No Other Way (Suva: The Marketing Team International, 1988), pp. 11, 121. www.education.ucsb.edu/socialjustice/spickard.pdf. 16 Chapter 1: Understandings of Nation and Nationalism 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 17 Point of view of Mahendra Chaudhry, Fiji’s first Indo-Fijian prime minister: There is absolutely no doubt that our future as a nation, lies in drawing strength from the richness of the cultural diversity that surrounds us, for in that alone lies our sustainability and viability as a sovereign state.11 The message in the last five years, in particular, has come through loud and clear: We need to get together as a nation. If we are to surmount our many problems, if we are to realise our full potential as a nation so that the benefits of developments are passed on to all and sundry, then we must reject racist and fundamentalist forces.12 Point of view of Peter Witham, the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP’s) Representative for the Pacific: Yes and of course it’s got to be done with great sensitivity … However what we did this year was to have Ratu Epeli, who is the Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs of Fiji, and certainly the one person in Fiji who is best qualified to talk about Fijian culture and traditions, to launch [our] report. And he was absolutely unequivocal, and he said people must realise that you can be Hindu, you can be Indian, you can be Christian, you can be Muslim, you can be Fijian, you are still equally a national and have a stake in the Fiji islands.13 1 Based on the quotations in this feature, what options do you see for Fiji? 2 Predict what impact a nation-state that excludes one of the nations would have on the people of Fiji. Predict the impact of a nation-state that includes both nations. 3 Identify possible situations in which the goals of your nation may differ from those of another nation, and the effect of this on how you all live together as a nation-state. 11 Mahendra Chaudhry, “Diwali Is an Integral Part of Hindu Culture,” speech at Diwali celebrations in Ba, 2 November 2002. 12 Mahendra Chaudhry, Parliamentary speech, 14 November 2005 (excerpts), Fiji Times, 15 November 2005. 13 Peter Witham, on “Pacific: Striking a Balance: Cultural Freedom vs. Integration,” interview on Radio Australia. http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1157735.htm. Part 1 Issue: To what extent should nation be the foundation of identity? 17 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 18 SP Thinking Like a Researcher S K I L L P AT H Selecting Pertinent Sources for Criteria for Assessing Pertinent Sources Your Inquiry Criteria are principles or standards by which something is judged. In this case, the criteria are a set of questions that In the quotations included in this chapter, Emerson, can be used to guide your judgment when determining Anderson, Renan, Maillet, and Coupland offer diverse which sources are most pertinent to your research: understandings of nation. What other understandings of Is the information relevant to the inquiry? nation do people have? Research individuals and groups or collectives. Find three views on nation that Does this source have the authority to provide this best demonstrate a diversity of understandings. information? Assemble these understandings in a format of your Is the information based on personal experience choice, such as a concept map, an illustration, or a and/or knowledge? display, and present your conclusions. Is there bias? Are biases supported by evidence and/or an To conduct your research, you will need to decide which informed position? information will best support your inquiry. You can reduce your research time by beginning with those sources that bias: an inclination that makes it difficult to judge fairly will best provide the ideas and information you need. The criteria to the right will help you evaluate which sources Practise It! are pertinent to your inquiry. Using the criteria described above, assess the following Pertinent: directly related to the matter at hand three sources and determine which you would use to respond to the inquiry. Step Consider your Inquiry Question Source 1: 1 Begin by considering your inquiry question: Are there alternative meanings of nation? Using my own definition of the nation—as a named human population sharing an historic territory, common Brainstorm where you can access information myths and historical memories, a mass, public culture, a for your inquiry. List possible sources. Include common economy and common legal rights and duties a variety of print, non-print, and electronic sources, as well as primary and secondary for all members …14 sources, and interviews. The author of this quotation, Anthony D. Smith, is one of Step Assess your Sources most important contemporary scholars of nationalism. He is editor-in-chief of the scholarly journal Nations 2 Review your criteria to determine whether or not the first source is pertinent to your inquiry. and Nationalism (Cambridge University Press) and is Apply the criteria to each source on your list. the author of many books on the subject, including the Remove the sources that are not relevant to “classic”, The Ethnic Origins of Nations. your inquiry. 14 Anthony D. Smith, Myths and Memories of the Nation (New York: Oxford University Press, 1999), p. 11. 18 Chapter 1: Understandings of Nation and Nationalism 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 19 Source 2: 1. Which source best meets the criteria for assessing I’m a member of Red Sox Nation, it’s a kind of a family pertinent sources? Wherever I roam, my Fenway home, that’s where I long to be 2. Which source would you evaluate as the most I’m a member of Red Sox Nation, it’s a kind of insanity pertinent to your inquiry? Yeah, I’ll live and die, with Red Sox pride, for eternity.15 3. Which source does not meet the needs of your The above lyrics are from the song I’m a Member of inquiry? Red Sox Nation by songwriters Rob Crawford, Dan Page, 4. Which source do you find biased or lacking in and Michele Page. authority or evidence? Source 3: A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be Apply It! gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to Conduct your research and answer the inquiry extend a helping hand to others.16 question posed in this Skill Path. American presidential candidate Jimmy Carter spoke these words on 14 October 1976, during a speech in New York City. He was elected president in November 1976. Explore the Issues 1 How is nation defined by the news media? 2 Research a prominent Canadian’s views on how Investigate what understandings of the term are he or she defines his or her identity. Apply the presented in headlines and news segments. criteria introduced in the Skill Path to the Apply the criteria introduced in the Skill Path to sources you find, to determine which sources the sources you find to determine which are most pertinent to your research. Does the sources are most pertinent to your research. To individual identify with a particular nation? Is what extent do the understandings of nation an understanding of nation reflected in how the offered here reflect the understandings you individual identifies who he or she is? have explored in this chapter? 15 From: http://crawdaddycove.com/im-a-member-of-red-sox-nation. 16 Jimmy Carter, in a speech on 14 October 1976, New York City. Part 1 Issue: To what extent should nation be the foundation of identity? 19 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 20 PAUSE AND REFLECT Understandings of Nationalism What do you think of when you Question for Inquiry hear the word nationalism? Does it bring to mind any What is nationalism? particular ideas, events, or people? As with the concept of nation, there are diverse understandings of nationalism. Nationalism can be a belief in nation, a shared sense of kinship or belonging, or a shared consciousness of a collective identity. Political scientists also define nationalism as a specific type of Fast Facts political or sociological movement. Generally speaking, it can be said The term collective that nationalism is the collective, shared sense of belonging of people consciousness was first made who identify themselves as a nation. popular by French social theorist Emile Durkheim (1858–1917). He used it to refer to an entire community coming together to share similar values and beliefs. 1 2 ▲ Figure 1-9 What aspects of nationalism are conveyed in each of these images? (1) A huge Canadian flag is passed along a crowd gathered in Montréal to rally for Canadian unity in 1995. (2) Montréalers fill the streets of Old Montréal in celebration of Fête Nationale. (3) Ivan Baptise of Ebb and Flow, Manitoba, performs a grass dance prior to the grand entry during a day-long Awasisak powwow held at New Era in Brandon, Manitoba. (4) A ranching 4 family rides the range near Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the 3 background. Nation and Nationalism Nation: a group of people who are connected by a sense of belonging and acceptance and * * who identify themselves as * ▲ Figure 1-10 a nation * * At times, nationalism is the shared sense * Nationalism: the collective, of belonging that gives meaning to a * shared sense of belonging of nation. At other times, it is membership in a nation that gives meaning to and * * people who identify themselves as a nation generates nationalism. 20 Chapter 1: Understandings of Nation and Nationalism 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 21 Creating a Sense of Nationalism PAUSE AND REFLECT Geography, language, spirituality and religion, ethnicity, culture, and Think of the sense of belonging citizenship can all inspire a sense of nationalism among members of a you share with other members nation. As you explore various factors that can create a sense of of a particular nation. What nationalism or belonging, consider the types of shared experiences inspires your feelings of that connect individual members of a nation and remember that belonging to that nation? these experiences can overlap. Geography and Nationalism Ideas and Opinions “ These mountains are our temples, our sanctuaries, and our resting places. They are a place of hope, a place of vision, a place of refuge, a very special and holy place where the Great Spirit speaks with us. These mountains are our ” sacred places. —Chief John Snow, These Mountains Are Our Sacred Places: The Story of the Stoney People (Calgary, AB: Fifth House, 2005), p. 4. Why does the land inspire an internalized feeling of belonging between members of a nation? The land on which we live is a strong force in shaping our nations and in creating a sense of nationalism. A people’s relationship to their land can play a key role in defining a nation and creating a sense of PAUSE AND REFLECT belonging among a group of people. One of the questions we often This is especially true for the people of Canada’s First Nations. ask a new acquaintance is: For example, Roy Fabian, from Hay River, Northwest Territories, is a “Where are you from?” Why do member of the Dene Nation. He describes how his nation’s sense of you think knowing where a nationalism is derived from the people’s relationship to the land: person is from helps identify who they are? One of my Elders told me a situation. He said we can get rid of all the Dene people in Denendeh, we can all die off for some reason, but if there was another human being that came stumbling along and came to Denendeh, the environment would turn him into a Dene person. It’s the environment and the land that makes us Dene people.17 Connections to the land that inspire nationalism may be defined by distinct political boundaries or may exist outside of borders, and may be associated with a specific landscape, climate, or environment. 17 Roy Fabian, quoted in Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Part Three: “Building the Foundations of a Renewed Relationship,” chapter 15, “Rekindling the Fire” (Ottawa: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, October 1996), p. 31. http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ch/rcap/sg/cg_e.html. Part 1 Issue: To what extent should nation be the foundation of identity? 21 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 22 ▲ Figure 1-11 For many people worldwide, a connection to the land inspires nationalism. (1) The Pyramid of Kukulkan (also known as El Castillo), a Mayan ruin, as seen from the Thousand Columns (foreground), Chichen Itza, Mexico. (2) Stonehenge, England. (3) Israeli flags at the 2 Wailing Wall, Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Israel. In addition, natural features such as mountains, bodies of water, forests, plains, foothills, and valleys to which people feel a connection often inspire a sense of nationalism. Manmade places, such as Chichen Itza in Mexico, Stonehenge in England, and the Western Wall in Jerusalem, 1 3 can also inspire nationalism and feelings of connection to the land. BEFORE N The people of a nation can also have strong feelings about the land of their ancestors. Qasim Ahmed is an 18-year-old Muslim from Gloucester, England, who journeyed to India to gain first-hand BRITISH INDIA experience of his family’s native land. On his trip, Qasim retraced the journey made by his family after Partition divided the Indian subcontinent into two separate nations 60 years earlier. Qasim said: 0 500 km I feel deeply that this land of India, that I was separated from because my relatives moved over, is my land as well. AFTER I feel deeply possessive of India, and I feel angry and bitter that N my relatives had to move during Partition. I feel as if this country is a PAKISTAN part of me as well as Pakistan … For once I felt I was seeing a real INDIA part of my heritage. I felt connected to that place.18 BANGLADESH Ideas and Opinions 0 500 km “ Modern nationalism in the vast majority of cases points to a deep, almost spiritual connection between land and people … Territory is Figure 1-12 ▲ the physical aspect of the life of the community and therefore reflects and ” India and Pakistan, before and after conditions the identity of that community. Partition. —Malcolm Shaw, Title to Territory in Africa—International PAUSE AND REFLECT Legal Issues (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1986). Do you think is it possible to Do you believe that territory is necessary for people to feel a sense of feel a connection to a place in belonging to a nation? your family’s history and memory if you have not spent a great deal of time there? 18 BBC News. “Qasim’s Journey.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire/content/articles/2007/06/22/ qasim_ahmed_feature.shtml. 22 Chapter 1: Understandings of Nation and Nationalism 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 23 Language and Nationalism PAUSE AND REFLECT Many nations consider language the “clay” that shapes its people’s How is language related to sense of nationalism or belonging. Through a common mode of identity in this quotation? communication, the people of a nation can share ideas, knowledge, and wisdom, and can make connections in a meaningful way. The language or languages of a nation can affect how it expresses itself and how its members communicate with one another. For example, a report on strategies for revitalizing First Nations, Métis [may-TEE], and Inuit [IN-yoo-it] cultures describes the importance of language: We came from the land—this land, our land. We belong to it, are part of To learn more about Rita Joe and find it and find our identities in it. Our languages return us again and again a bibliography of her collected works, to this truth. This must be grasped to understand why the retention, visit the Perspectives on Nationalism strengthening and expansion of our First Nation, Inuit and Métis website and follow the link to the languages and cultures is of such importance to us and, indeed, to all entry on Rita Joe in the Canadian Canadians. For our languages, which are carried by the very breath that Encyclopedia. gives us life, connect us daily to who we are. Without this awareness and understanding, the past will not be understood and appreciated by all Canadians, and in particular, by the youth of Canada.19 Reclaiming Language 1 In this poem, Rita Joe makes a statement about reclaiming her In many of her poems, Rita Joe reflects on her time traditional Mi’kmaq language. Her at the Indian Residential School in Shubenacadie, poetry speaks on a personal level, Nova Scotia. There, First Nations students were but also for the Mi’kmaq nation. taught to be ashamed of their Mi’kmaq [MIG-mah] language and culture. How do you think reclaiming their As you read the poem below, consider how language can create a sense of nationalism. traditional language could create a sense of belonging for the people I lost my talk Two ways I talk of the Mi’kmaq nation? The talk you took away. Both ways I say, 2 Consider the role language plays When I was a little girl Your way is more powerful. in defining who you are. How is At Shubenacadie school. your language related to your So gently I offer my hand and ask, identity? You snatched it away: Let me find my talk 3 The people of Canada speak many I speak like you So I can teach you about me. different languages. Do you think I think like you —Rita Joe, “I Lost My Talk,” from having two official national I create like you Song of Eskasoni: More Poems of languages helps unite us and The scrambled ballad, about my Rita Joe (Charlottetown, PEI: promotes a sense of belonging? word. Ragweed Press, 1988). Why or why not? 19 Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures, Towards a New Beginning—A Foundational Report for a Strategy to Revitalize First Nation, Inuit and Métis Languages and Culture, Part III: “Our Languages and Our Cultures: Cornerstones for Our Philosophies”. www.aboriginallanguagestaskforce.ca/rpt/part3_e.html. Part 1 Issue: To what extent should nation be the foundation of identity? 23 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 24 Spirituality, Religion, and Nationalism Ideas and Opinions Spirituality is a very complex concept that can mean many different “ This province of Québec is things depending on the beliefs, values, and culture of an individual Catholic and French and or group of people. Beliefs in spirituality may centre on finding the shall remain Catholic and French. —Honoré Mercier, speaking as premier of Québec during a speech on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, 1889. ” meaning of life, connecting with a spiritual being, or achieving individual potential. From Aboriginal perspectives, an individual’s spirituality comes from his or her relationship to the natural world. Spiritual beliefs promote respect and honour for what the world holds, including human beings, animals, plants, land, wind, and sun. Individuals can During Honoré Mercier’s time as hold diverse spiritual understandings. premier, the people of Québec The religious beliefs of a group are based on understandings of were united by their Catholic faith. one’s place in the world and ideas about how the group will live. Today, especially in Montréal and Members of the group share a system of beliefs and values based on Québec City, where immigration is those understandings. a factor, there is a greater diversity These spiritual and religious understandings can create a sense of of faith within the Québécois nationalism by the sharing of common systems of beliefs and collective identity. Do you think traditions among members of a group. Spirituality and religion can be Mercier’s statement is still true today? Why or why not? separate understandings for some individuals, while others may express spirituality and live by a religious belief system. Ideas and Opinions “ When we surrendered and signed the land, in terms of our philosophy, we don’t own the land, it was created by God for the benefit of all people. So we couldn’t have 3 given it away; we could have only shared the 1 2 land and its resources. So basically we viewed that transaction to be a sharing of the land and resources and also one of co- existence, that we would live side by side with each other and respect each other, and ” not to have dominance. 4 5 —Elijah Harper, Red Sucker Lake First Figure 1-13 ▲ Nation and member of the Legislative How can common religious traditions, beliefs, and values create Assembly of Manitoba (1981–1999), bonds between the people of a nation? (1) Pope Benedict XVI speaking about the treaty negotiations and addresses the crowd at the Vatican, Christmas 2007. (2) Crowd the relationship with the land. praying in Turkey, Istanbul, at the Suleymaniye Mosque. (3) Buddhist monks walking in single file to create the form How does Elijah Harper express the spiritual known as the “circle of joy” (gakhyil) at the Shechen Tibetan relationship between the people of Red Monastery in Bodhnath, Nepal. (4) People celebrating a Bar Sucker Lake First Nation and the land? Mitzvah in Jerusalem, Israel. (5) Garrette Courchene finds healing in drumming and singing at Winnipeg’s urban sweat lodge. 24 Chapter 1: Understandings of Nation and Nationalism 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 25 Ethnic Ties and Nationalism PAUSE AND REFLECT Members of a nation may share ethnic ties such as ancestry, People who have diverse ethnic characteristics, family ties, history, and language, as well as cultural backgrounds may find it values, beliefs, and traditions. Shared ethnic ties can create a sense of challenging to describe their belonging or nationalism among the people of a nation because of identity. If your parents are their shared experiences. People may also feel connected due to a from different ethnic shared sense of pride or loyalty to an ethnicity. backgrounds, which do you Many nation-states are composed of people of various ethnicities. identify with? Can you belong This is due to migration as well as to the fact that political boundaries to more than one ethnic nation? sometimes divide territories in which nations live. In Africa, where the traditional lands of many ethnic nations were divided between several nation-states, many ethnic nations live within the same territory. The nation-state of Chad, for example, includes over 200 distinct ethnic groups. Fast Facts Culture and Nationalism The Sothos people are a single Can sharing a culture generate a sense of belonging within a nation? ethnic group that makes up Culture is the unwritten way of knowing, being, and acting among the almost the entire country of Lesotho. Lesotho is people of a nation based on their shared traditions, beliefs, and values. geographically surrounded Shared cultural experiences can shape a person’s identity. Individuals by another nation-state, often identify with a variety of cultures; for example, those associated South Africa. with their ethnicity, nation-state, language, region, or community. Culture can inspire a sense of nationalism among members of a nation through such things as shared values, beliefs, traditions, ways of life, oral stories, history, food, clothing, arts, TV, and film. Cultural representations can unite people by expressing the shared experiences of the nation. It is only the story that can continue beyond the war and the warrior. It is the story that outlives the sound of war-drums and the exploits of brave fighters. It is the story … that saves our progeny from blundering like blind beggars into the spikes of the cactus fence. The story is our escort; without it, we are blind. Does the blind man own his escort? Zimbabwe No, neither do we the story; rather it is the story that owns us and Botswana Mozambique directs us.20 ATLA Namibia N Storytelling and oral traditions are an important means of Swaziland TIC Lesotho N CEA transmitting cultural beliefs and values. What does Nigerian author OC South O EA AN Africa DI N Chinua Achebe say about the importance of storytelling in the IN excerpt above from his novel Anthills of the Savannah? Many of 0 500 km Achebe’s stories are about the history and experiences of the people of Nigeria. How can storytelling create a sense of belonging and connection among the people of a nation? Figure 1-14 ▲ The Kingdom of Lesotho, in Africa. 20 Chinua Achebe, Anthills of the Savannah (Oxford: William Heinemann, 1987), p. 124. Part 1 Issue: To what extent should nation be the foundation of identity? 25 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 26 Food can represent important beliefs and values associated with a culture, and the traditions related to preparing and eating particular foods can generate a sense of belonging and connection among the people of a nation. Do you share cultural experiences related to food with other people? For wedding celebrations, a large circular sweet bread, considered holy, is the most significant of all wedding breads. It is heavily decorated with symbolic ornaments shaped as pinecones (symbolizing fertility), doves, geese, or other symbols of peace, love and faithfulness … Folklore says Figure 1-15 ▲ the making of Korovai was an important ritual in itself.21 Scorched Earth, Clear-cut Logging on Native Sovereign Land, Shaman Coming The culture that a group shares can include to Fix, by Laurence Paul Yuxweluptun. the stories, myths, and legends that form the What evidence can you find of Coast Salish culture shared by the people of history of the people. The history of a nation the Salish nation? can provide shared historical experiences, celebrations, and accomplishments and inspire a sense of nationalism among its members. It can Figure 1-17 ▲ also serve as a record of the cultural beliefs, Ukrainian Korovai bread. values, and traditions of the nation. The circle has neither beginning nor ending. It has always been. The circle represents the journey of human existence. It connects us to our past and to our future. Within the periphery of the circle lies the key to all Native philosophy, values, and traditions. All things depend upon its equilibrium. If it is unbalanced, the effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health can be devastating.22 PAUSE AND REFLECT PAUSE AND REFLECT These paintings are part of the What does the quotation by collection at the National Tallow tell you about the Gallery of Canada. How do you importance of history to First Figure 1-16 ▲ think a gallery can inspire Nations peoples? Tom Thomson, the painter of Algonquin nationalism? October, was associated with the Group of Seven. These artists journeyed all over Canada, painting the wilderness, and their vision shaped how Canadians 21 Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, Ukrainian Daughters’ Cookbook (Centax Books: Regina, saw their country. Artwork by the Group Saskatchewan, 2001). of Seven inspires feelings of nationalism 22 Robin Melting Tallow, “Writing Circle: Native Women of Western Canada,” in Aboriginal Perspectives in many Canadians. (Edmonton, AB: Duval Publishing House, 2004), p. 231. 26 Chapter 1: Understandings of Nation and Nationalism 20-1 Ch1 7/14/08 1:59 PM Page 27 ▲ Figure 1-18 Games, such as this traditional Inuit blanket toss, can inspire a sense of nationalism among members of a nation. This game reflects the cultural beliefs and values of the Inuit, while the historical origins of the Olympic Games shape a Greek sense of nationalism. What games or sports inspire a sense of nationalism in you? Citizenship and Nationalism Citizenship refers to the membership and participation of individuals in a political community, most times a nation-state. The citizenship of the people of a nation-state creates a sense of belonging in a very tangible way, through legal documentation such as laws, charters, passports, and birth certificates. The type of participation by citizens Figure 1-20 ▲ depends on the nation-state, but can include The Kutsyh family embraces after paying taxes swearing an oath of Canadian citizenship obeying the laws of the country in a ceremony for 93 new Canadians in Edmonton in January 2007. The ceremony serving in the country’s armed forces was in honour of the 60th anniversary voting in elections of the Canadian Citizenship Act. How do respecting the rights of others shared experiences of citizenship foster defending one’s own rights and the rights of others a sense of nationalism? Ideas and Opinions “ A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is ” loyalty to that principle. —American writer George William Curtis This quotation defines nation-state Figure 1-19 ▲ as a principle, or moral ideal, and In 2000, the CBC sponsored and aired a 17-episode documentary entitled Canada: A patriotism as loyalty to that ideal. If