Nation to Nation
Nation to Nation takes the temperature on author Joseph Boyden’s defence of criticism triggered by questions over his claims to Indigenous ancestry in an interview with comedian and writer Ryan McMahon.
Actress Jane Fonda discusses the future of activism in Trump’s America and Labrador Land Defender Denis Coles explains what’s behind the latest flare up in direct action opposition to the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project.
As for a specific Indigenous ancestor, Joseph Boyden has been vague and evasive. On the surface, he appears not to know. If one wants to take him at face value, it closes down the issue. My guess is that most Indigenous people won’t accept Mr. Boyden’s ambiguous answers. But to rip into him? Geez, I dunno. In Seeing Red, authors Mark Anderson and Carmen Robertson eviscerated Archie Belaney, a faux Indian, aka Grey Owl, by labeling him “a poster-child for colonialism.” I would never go that far with Mr. Boyden, but then again, he needs to be much more forthcoming and honest. Admitting a mistake, well, that can lead to forgiveness and acceptance.
Hi Jorge
I have tried to follow the Boyden issue closely but this getting difficult given the number of published opinion pieces that do not seem to bring anything new to the discussion. Unfortunately, it seems to me that the specificity of the grievances have been lost in the tumult.
Can you recommend a place where those grievances concerning Boyden’s claims to identity have been summarized succinctly and with exacting specificity? I think this would help in fostering an understanding (at least for non-native canadians) of the anger this affair is generating
Thanks
Hi Roger, I don’t think there is one place to get all the information you seek. Various media have published interesting articles. Ryan McMahon in Vice, Hayden King in the Globe and Mail. Hope this helps.
The only writer who meets your specifications is Cuthand in the Saskatoon Phoenix, with the indigenous perspective from a mature and thoughtful leader. For Boyden’s perspective, read his twitter for a link.
As for a specific Indigenous ancestor, Joseph Boyden has been vague and evasive. On the surface, he appears not to know. If one wants to take him at face value, it closes down the issue. My guess is that most Indigenous people won’t accept Mr. Boyden’s ambiguous answers. But to rip into him? Geez, I dunno. In Seeing Red, authors Mark Anderson and Carmen Robertson eviscerated Archie Belaney, a faux Indian, aka Grey Owl, by labeling him “a poster-child for colonialism.” I would never go that far with Mr. Boyden, but then again, he needs to be much more forthcoming and honest. Admitting a mistake, well, that can lead to forgiveness and acceptance.
Ok so she is worried about water. There are alternatives. Butane is one and the technology is almost perfected. I think Jane Fonda should have kept her appointment with the oil companies so she could get the other side of the view that she has. A view is nothing if you don’t know all the facts. She wants to share her views but apparently not with the ones that matter.