Joe Sacco, a talented artist known for his exquisite eye for detail and powerful storytelling, discusses his latest book 'Paying the Land' and his experience creating war reportage comics. They explore the impact of colonialism, residential schools, and resource extraction on indigenous communities in the Canadian subarctic. Sacco shares his literary influences and upcoming projects, including a book on the Rolling Stones and an Indian riot.
Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories have complex perspectives on resource extraction, with some viewing it as economic survival and others opposing it due to environmental concerns.
The residential school system in Canada caused cultural genocide and continues to have long-lasting effects on Indigenous communities, such as high rates of substance abuse and domestic violence.
The younger generation of Indigenous leaders in the Northwest Territories aims to reconnect with traditional cultural practices and the land, while critiquing Western civilization and capitalism.
Deep dives
The Complexities of Resource Extraction and Indigenous Perspectives
Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories have a complex relationship with resource extraction. While some oppose it due to environmental concerns, others see it as a means of economic survival. The legacy of colonialism and the impacts of residential schools have affected these perspectives. The extraction industry offers job opportunities, which can be appealing in communities with limited employment options. However, there are also concerns about the social and environmental consequences. The book presents diverse viewpoints and highlights the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in navigating this complex issue.
The Devastating Legacy of Residential Schools
The book delves into the history and impact of residential schools in Canada, which were responsible for the cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples. The system forcibly removed children from their families, attempted to assimilate them into white culture, and caused immense trauma. The effects of the residential school system continue to be felt today, with high rates of substance abuse, domestic violence, and other socio-economic challenges in Indigenous communities.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada allowed survivors of the residential school system to share their stories and seek some form of justice. The Commission led to official recognition of the cultural genocide perpetrated on Indigenous peoples. While it was a step towards acknowledgment and reconciliation, it did not fully address the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities as a result of the residential school system.
The Wider Context of Climate Change and Indigenous Perspectives
The book explores how climate change affects Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories and highlights their understanding that they are trapped within a wider capitalist system. While some individuals support resource extraction as a means of economic survival, others advocate for reconnecting with traditional cultural practices and a deeper relationship with the land. The book underscores the need to recognize the global context of climate change and the complex perspectives of Indigenous peoples.
Generations of Political Leaders
The podcast episode explores the different generations of political leaders in the Northwest Territories. The younger generation, whose parents were former prominent political figures, has transitioned into political movements and government positions. However, they are also involved in groups like the Dene Way, bridging the gap created by residential schools. The older generation, who grew up in the 60s and 70s, were influenced by global movements like the American Indian and Civil Rights movements. They reluctantly entered Canadian mainstream politics to negotiate for their people.
Cultural Reinvigoration and Complex Negotiation
The younger generation is less connected to the land than their parents but holds a strong critique of Western civilization and capitalism. They aim to culturally reinvigorate themselves by reclaiming their language and reconnecting with the land. The podcast mentions two landmark cases: the Paulette case, where the Dene asserted Aboriginal rights to a vast area, and the Berger hearing, which dealt with a proposed natural gas pipeline. Negotiating these cases proved challenging, with differing opinions on whether to negotiate together or separately. Despite imperfections, the militants turned politicians believe they've achieved success in advancing their people's cause.
“Sacco is a talent entirely unto himself, applying an exquisitely fine eye for detail to the urgent histories that define the world around us. . . . Now, Sacco brings that eye to the lives of the Dene people in the Canadian subarctic, getting the full picture as only he can.” —Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub
“A tour de force . . . luminous . . . What begins as an exploration of the effects of fracking on Native lands sprawls into a haunted history of an entire civilization.” —Ed Park, The New York Times Book Review
