Wilfrid Laurier University Scholars Commons @ Laurier Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive) 2020 Transforming relations: Anishnawbe Natural Law in the “Ring of Fire” Darren Thomas [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd Part of the Community Psychology Commons, Indian and Aboriginal Law Commons, and the Natural Law Commons Recommended Citation Thomas, Darren, "Transforming relations: Anishnawbe Natural Law in the “Ring of Fire”" (2020). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 2303. https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/2303 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Commons @ Laurier. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive) by an authorized administrator of Scholars Commons @ Laurier. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Running Head: TRANSFORMING RELATIONS TRANSFORMING RELATIONS: ANISHNAWBE NATURAL LAW IN THE “RING OF FIRE” by Darren Thomas PhD Candidate Community Psychology Submitted to the Department of Community Psychology/ Faculty of Science In partial fulfilment of the requirements for Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology Wilfrid Laurier University © Darren Thomas 2020 TRANSFORMING RELATIONS ii Abstract This multiple manuscript dissertation project contributes to a larger case study research project examining Matawa First Nation experiences of negotiating a proposed mining project known as the “Ring of Fire.” Nine independent First Nations located in the Treaty 9 territory in Northern Ontario, comprise a collective regional organization called Matawa First Nations. These First Nations have a long history of living their Ancestral ways of trapping, fishing, and gathering from the lands. During the early 20th century, the southern Matawa communities began to have contacts with forestry development, but a chromite deposit with an estimated value of 65 billion dollars on Matawa’s traditional territory in 2008 gave rise to interest in mineral extraction across the entire region. In 2012, active communications began with Matawa First Nations to secure access to these lands for development. As a critical Indigenous doctoral student involved in this case study, my interest was to capture first-hand experiences of Matawa Peoples as they contemplate development on their traditional territory. This multiple manuscript dissertation shares three specific areas of interest: the challenge of conducting Indigenous research on lands and culture different than my own, Matawa’s knowledge of Anishnawbe Natural Laws and inherent rights and the communities’ priorities in the face of this proposed development, and lastly the knowledge gained by visiting with Matawa Knowledge Holders to learn the perspectives of leaders and Elders on the proposed development and what they see as future directions for the generations to come. Keywords: Matawa First Nations, Ring of Fire, Indigenous inherent rights, Decolonization, Anishnawbe Natural law, Treaty 9. TRANSFORMING RELATIONS iii Dedication There are two dedications I wish to make for this dissertation, the first is to my parents: Hanih [Dad] Ron Thomas and Kno:ha [Mom] Winnie Thomas Mom you offered your love, guidance, and support in all my work. I felt the pride you had for the work I was involved in, and you were always so quick to lend a hand, whether it was visiting or coming to sit in the audience whenever you were able. I miss you so much and thank you for the love, caring, and guidance you provided. Dad, through your ongoing guidance, love, and dedication to our entire family you have not only shown me what it means to be a strong Haudenosaunee man, but a kind, nurturing, loving husband, and father. You both have demonstrated the power and strength that comes from our teachings, and how much Sogwayadihsoh [Creator] loves us all. Nya:weh [thank you]. The second dedication is to the Matawa Chiefs and community members, I hope this work helps inform your decisions on the future of your lands, for all the future generations to come, and may you enjoy full benefit of life, Creation, and your lands. TRANSFORMING RELATIONS iv Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the Matawa Chiefs Council, and the individual community members that I met in my time in the Matawa Region. Nya:weh, Miigwetch [Thank You]. Chiefs Johnny Yellowhead, Harvey Yesno, Veronica Waboose, and former Chief Peter Moonias. Your time and wisdom that you shared so willingly was appreciated as I learned about your communities. I would like to acknowledge the staff at Matawa First Nations Management and Four Rivers for your guidance and support during my many visits into Thunder Bay. I could not have accomplished this work without you. Thank you I want to thank my dissertation committee, Drs. Absolon, Loomis, and my supervisor Dr. Terry Mitchell, and to my external examiner Dr. Jeff Corntassel. Each of you were supportive and provided tremendous mentorship and guidance throughout my journey into academia. Thank you all so very much for your kindness and unconditional support. I want to thank my family, my friends, and the thousands of people that have crossed my path. Your love, joy, and faith in me and my work has lifted me through these last few difficult years. Those of you that share in the loss of our Mom, I appreciated your love and kind words as they really made a difference in helping through my grief. To my siblings, your love, support, guidance, and conversations are cherished deeply. I love and respect each of you and what you do to take care of our family and community. I also need to say Nya:weh Sogwayadihsoh, the love, light, and power you have shown me during the darkest days of grief over these last few years strengthened my resolve. I know that you, along with all my family that have already gone Home are here to love me and support me no matter what. I need to acknowledge my beautiful children: Bradley, your quiet strength, patience, and brilliance always blows my mind. You have such passion for learning, keep it up and I know that you will be an awesome educator in the future. Delaney, you are such a strong, smart, and confident woman. You put so much effort into everything you do, you have such a strong and dedicated work ethic, this will take you far in this world. Eliza, your sense of humour and passion light up every space you are in. Your thirst for knowledge and desire to make everything fair and just in the world lifts my heart. You have such determination and I know that you will succeed in everything that you do. You all make me so proud, every day in the way that you show your love for each other and your mom and me. May you all continue to pursue your dreams and know I will always be here to support you in any way I can. I love you all. My last acknowledgement goes to my wife, my partner, my best friend Karen. There is absolutely no way that I could have accomplished this without your love, support, strength, and guidance. You have stood beside me for many years, we shared a million laughs and a million tears. Thank you for your unconditional love and nurturing, I am the person I am because of the love you have given me. I love you. TRANSFORMING RELATIONS v Statement of Originality This is to certify that to the best of my knowledge; the content of this dissertation is my own work. I certify that the intellectual content of this dissertation is the product of my own work and that all the assistance received in preparing this thesis and sources have been acknowledged. Darren Thomas Yohjaseh TRANSFORMING RELATIONS 6 Table of Contents Abstract …………………………………………………………………...……………..…. ii Dedication ...………………………………………………………………………………... iii Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………………………….... iv Statement of Originality …………………………………………………………………..... v Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………………..…. 6 List of Tables ……………………………………………………………………….……… 7 List of Figures ………………………………………………………………………..…….. 8 List of Appendices ……………………………………………………………………..…... 9 List of Abbreviations …………………………………………………………….………… 10 Chapters Introduction: Matawa Case Study and Historical and Situational Contexts…….................. 11 Abstract 12 References 31 Chapter One: Applying One Dish, One Spoon as an Indigenous research methodology……………….. 34 Abstract 35 References 60 Chapter Two: Anishnawbe Natural Law in the Ring of Fire: Remembering Mino- Bimaadiziwin……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 65 Abstract 66 References 114 Chapter Three: Decolonizing the Ring of Fire: The pathway to Mino-Bimaadiziwin………………..… 124 Abstract 125 References 177 Conclusion: Closing Thoughts on the Ring of Fire…………………………………………………..…. 186 Abstract 187 References 218 Appendices………………………………………………………………………………….. 223 TRANSFORMING RELATIONS 7 List of Tables Table 1 Snapshot of MMO Dissertation Transforming relations: Anishnawbe Natural Law in the Ring of Fire……………………………………………... 15 Table 2 Population Breakdown of Matawa Member Communities…………………….. 21 Table 3: Ogwehowehneha…………………………………………………………………….. 50 Table 4 Summary of Findings from Matawa Gatherings………………………………… 107 Table 5 Summary of Findings from Matawa Knowledge Holders……………………… 166 Table 6: Detailed MMO Dissertation Transforming relations: Anishnawbe Natural Law in the Ring of Fire……………………………………………………………... 190 TRANSFORMING RELATIONS 8 List of Figures Figure 1 Map of Matawa homelands and traditional territory……………………….. 18 Figure 2 Four Pillars of the Community Driven Regional Framework……………… 20 Figure 3 Community Well-being averages scores between 1981-2016………….......