The Spaces in Between: Indigenous Sovereignty Within the Canadian State

About the Book

The Spaces In Between examines prospects for the enhanced practice of Indigenous political sovereignty within the Canadian state. As Indigenous rights include the right to self-determination, the book contends that restored practices of Indigenous sovereignty constitute important steps forward in securing better relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.

While the Canadian state maintains its position of dominance with respect to the exercise of state sovereignty, Tim Schouls reveals how Indigenous nations are nevertheless increasingly carving out and reclaiming areas of significant political power as their own. By means of strategically acquired legal concessions, often at the Supreme Court of Canada level, through hard-fought political negotiations and sometimes through simple declarations of intent, Indigenous nations have regularly compelled the Canadian state to roll back its jurisdiction over them. In doing so, they have enhanced their prospects for political sovereignty within Canada. As such, they now increasingly occupy what Schouls refers to metaphorically as 'the spaces in between'. The book asserts that occupation of these jurisdictional 'spaces in between' not only goes some distance in meeting the requirements of Indigenous rights but also contributes to Indigenous community autonomy and well-being, enhancing prospects for reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Claiming the Spaces In Between
1. Contending Sovereignties: Prospects for Coexistence
2. Identity Politics: Citizenship and Belonging
3. Policy: From Political Sovereigns to Colonial Subjects
4. Policy: Signs of a Post-colonial Reality?
5. The Courts: Colonialism’s Constraints and Sovereignty’s Opportunities
6. Treaties Old: Sharing Lands and Resources
7. Treaties New: Landed Citizenship
8. Self-Government: Incremental Sovereignty
9. Partnerships: Shared Sovereignty, Shared Ventures
Conclusion: Occupying the Spaces In Between
References
Index


About the Author :

Tim Schouls is a professor in the Department of Political Science at Capilano University.

Review :
"The Space In Between is a vital resource for understanding how the concept of sovereignty has helped and hindered the Indigenous emancipation project in Canada. Schouls is a gifted educator, who shares his astute insight and considerable knowledge of Indigenous law and politics in a highly accessible and common sense fashion that will be of interest to students, instructors and the broader Canadian public."--Dimitrios Panagos, Associate Professor of Political Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland
"The Spaces In Between addresses many of the key issues that are most salient in Indigenous-state relations. Tim Schouls presents a good balance between exploring theoretical concepts and examining case studies to contextualize and show how important debates play out in real-world settings. This book will serve as an essential resource for many universities and colleges seeking to build more Indigenous programming and courses, as per the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations."--Minh Do, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Guelph
"Drawing on a range of themes and issues, The Spaces In Between provides students with a strong academic grounding in Indigenous politics and Indigenous-settler relations. It articulates the ways Indigenous peoples have opened space within Canadian state claims to sovereignty and filled it with their own articulations and practices of sovereignty. Well-written and accessible, this book presents complex information in an eminently readable and engaging way, offering a clear articulation for a possible path forward for Indigenous-settler relations."--Liam Midzain-Gobin, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Brock University