Divide and Conquer

The governments of Canada and British Columbia know from experience how to divide and conquer First Nations. It’s long been a standard procedure of their state bureaucracies to manipulate the process of negotiation in a way that undermines aboriginal unity. In concert with corporations eyeing First Nations’ lands, state officials also wield undue influence with media, enabling the enemies of indigenous sovereignty to put the tools of psychological warfare to effective use.

In order to survive this coordinated onslaught by the dominant culture in Canada, First Nations need to know not only their own values, protocols and history, but the deceptive arts practiced by their opponents as well. Education in investigative research, analysis and communication is an essential component of preparing for battle today.

(Jay Taber — recipient of the Defender of Democracy award — is an author, columnist, and research analyst at Public Good Project.)