Political Theory and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

This book focuses on the problem of justice for indigenous peoples and the ways in which this poses key questions for political theory: the nature of sovereignty, the grounds of national identity and the limits of democratic theory. It includes chapters by leading political theorists and indigenous scholars from Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada and the United States. One of the strengths of this book is the manner in which it shows how the different historical circumstances of colonization in these countries nevertheless raise common problems and questions for contemporary political theory. It examines ways in which political theory has contributed to the past subjugation and continuing disadvantage faced by indigenous peoples, while also seeking to identify resources in contemporary political thought that can assist the ‘decolonisation’ of relations between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

• Approaches the issue of Aboriginal rights from the perspective of key issues in contemporary political theory • Brings together leading contemporary political theorists • Focuses on three key concepts: sovereignty, identity, democracy and the nation

List of contributors; Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction Duncan Ivison, Paul Patton and Will Sanders; Part I. Sovereignty: 2. Waitangi as mystery of state: consequences of the ascription of federative capacity to the Māori J. G. A. Pocock; 3. The struggles of indigenous peoples for and of freedom James Tully; 4. Beyond regret: Mabo’s implications for Australian constitutionalism Jeremy Webber; 5. Engaging with indigeneity: Tino Rangatiratanga in Aotearoa Roger Maaka and Augie Fleras; Part II. Identity: 6. Paths towards a Mohawk nation: narratives of citizenship and nationhood in Kahnawake Audra Simpson; 7. (De)Constructing the politics of indigeneity Manuhuia Barcham; 8. On display for its aesthetic beauty: how western institutions fabricate knowledge about aboriginal cultural heritage Sonia Smallacombe; 9. On the plurality of interests: aboriginal self-government and land rights John Bern and Susan Dodds; Part III. Democracy: 10. The liberal image of the nation William E. Connolly; 11. Minority claims under two conceptions of democracy Philip Pettit; 12. American multiculturalism and the ‘nations within’ Will Kymlicka; 13. Hybrid democracy: Iroquois federalism and the postcolonial project Iris Marion Young; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

‘In a short review I can only hint at the riches of a book that both exhibits and challenges the many different ways that we can reflect theoretically on the indigenous project to assert and review their jurisdictions. For thinking about Australia, it offers the stimuli of theory and of comparative history. The standard of writing is clear throughout, and the editors’ introduction offers a clear view, not binding on any reader, of its main concerns.’ Tim Rose, Centre of Aboriginal Economic Policy Research

‘This volume … offers a comprehensive account of the cutting edge of scholarship within the field.’ Canadian Journal of Sociology

\'… a most valuable, innovative and comprehensive contribution to highly complex and challenging issues. Scholars, students, government representatives, policy makers and all those involved in and concerned by indigenous issues and empowerment will find in this collective work an impetus to think and act on new and more equitable grounds and values.\' Sylvie Poirier, Université Laval

‘This is a thought-provoking volume … Its stated objective is to foster an ‘intercultural conversation between indigenous and non-indigenous theorists’ and in this regard it is a model for others to follow.’ Contemporary Political Theory