When the entire history of a society is captured by a few simple labels, it indicates a high degree of consensus about a group’s past, present, and possibly it’s future. This level of agreement is precisely the case for current conceptions of relations between mainstream Canadian society and Inuit. The entire complex history of Inuit is summarized by a succession of frequently used labels: “Traditional culture,” “colonization,” (forced assimilation) “empowerment” and “decolonization.”
These provocative labels evoke powerful images that also have profound value judgments associated with them. The group-based or cultural narrative they describe is a simple one: Inuit lived a traditional, nomadic lifestyle that was rooted in the harsh environment that they engaged and ultimately tamed. Powerful White Europeans “colonized” Inuit and dominated them through forced relocation and economic exploitation. The natural aftermath of colonization was the coerced assimilation of Inuit, symbolized by religious conversion, European-style education including residential schools, linguicide, and the banning of spiritual ceremonies. The “empowerment” and “decolonization” processes that have now been set in motion are designed to rectify the devastating psychological and social consequences of colonization.
These shared labels, that capture the regrettable history between mainstream Canadians and Inuit, have led to a consensual understanding of present-day conditions for Inuit. Simply put, the consensual scenario describes the devastatingly negative effects of colonization and how it has impacted profoundly the self-esteem of Inuit. Everybody argues that it is this loss of self-esteem and accompanying feelings of helplessness that have led to the widespread social dysfunction that is plaguing Inuit communities.
The present research questions this simple analysis. Surprisingly, and contrary to the view captured in the agreed upon labels, many Inuit do not judge colonization negatively. They do not interpret colonization as a series of major negative social changes implemented by White people that destroyed Inuit culture. While there is a growing awareness of present-day social problems in their communities, many Inuit do not consider these problems to be caused by the colonization process. In numerous conversations with students of all ages about Inuit history, White colonizers are depicted as having very little to do with the negative outcomes of the colonization process. Moreover, in the minds of Inuit, the positive consequences of colonization often outweigh the negative ones. Equally surprising are findings from our research in Inuit communities pointing to positive self-esteem. Many Inuit openly discuss issues that they are dealing with and yet their levels of self-esteem are as high as any group of mainstream Canadians.
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