240033 VS Indigenous Peoples and Conflict/Resolution (3.3.2) (2017S)

This course will provide a solid introduction from historical background to the up-to-date information - on this topic. Students will become immersed in the present state of discourse and become familiar with the key actors from Indigenous Peoples Organization’s (IPOs) to governments and relevant international bodies. By course end they should have some key knowledge/skills for those wishing to pursue work in this area. My primary goal is to present the issues of conflict/resolution from the Indigenous perspective.

Conflict resolution specialists assert that conflict is a normal, even healthy part of human interaction. While that may be true in circumstances in which the parties to a conflict share similar values and cultures, have equal status and ability to press their claims, and are equally protected by the rules under which the conflict materialized and must be resolved, such "healthy" conflict conditions do not characterize the asymmetrical conflicts between Indigenous Peoples and states/other outside interests. One of the main features that distinguish these from other conflicts is that Indigenous Peoples have a unique relationship with their lands and territories that cannot easily be translated into Western notions of individual ownership/legal title/monetary value. Modern states often eye Indigenous areas as terra nullius to be readily accessed by the population at large, for development projects, etc. Even in countries where protective laws exist, due to the power disparity, these are often not respected when state/wealthy interests are at stake, thereby provoking conflicts. This course will have a strong focus on not just examining Indigenous Peoples as victims of conflict but on their important contributions to the area of conflict resolution. Their traditional methods have long offered powerful alternatives to warfare. Today they collaborate internationally to design creative new conflict prevention and resolution processes, combining traditional and modern elements. This course is designed to focus both on the major issues that cause conflict in Indigenous territories as well as the strategies they are employing to address them. Via lectures, audiovisual materials, combined with the student’s individual research, oral presentation and seminar paper they will become fully immersed in this unique perspective on conflict and alternate ways of resolution. This course is designed to familiarize students with Indigenous Peoples’ own work and perspectives.

This course will combine instructor lecturing, audiovisual material with the delivery of oral presentations by the students. Questions, debates and observations will be encouraged. The oral presentations of each student will be the result of independent research, analysis and students are expected to present their personal viewpoint. An independent research paper is to follow. I will be providing individual feedback on both their oral presentation and seminar paper.

This course will be held entirely in English.