Assembling Unity: Indigenous Politics, Gender, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs

The concept of unity has long shaped the modern Indigenous political movement, and Sarah Nickel's book Assembling Unity explores the relationship between global political ideologies and pan-Indigenous politics in British Columbia through the history of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). It demonstrates that unity was heavily negotiated between UBCIC members, grassroots constituents, and Indigenous womens organizations, and that the economic and emotional sacrifices made by activists challenge dominant Western and patriarchal political ideals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2019
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

Established narratives suggest that Indigenous unity emerged solely as a response to the political agenda of the settler state. However, the concept of unity has played a significant role in shaping the modern Indigenous political movement.

Assembling Unity delves into the intricate relationship between global political ideologies and pan-Indigenous politics in British Columbia, focusing on the historical context of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). Authored by Sarah Nickel, the book explores how unity has been an enduring goal for BC Indigenous peoples, while its expression was intricately negotiated among UBCIC members, grassroots constituents, and Indigenous women's organizations.

Through a comprehensive analysis of oral interviews, newspaper articles, government documents, and UBCIC records, Nickel sheds light on the uniquely gendered nature of political work and the economic and emotional sacrifices made by activists. This groundbreaking work challenges prevailing Western and patriarchal political ideals that portray Indigenous men as reactive and Indigenous women as invisible and apolitical.

By examining the historical trajectory of the UBCIC and its engagement with various political ideologies, Assembling Unity offers valuable insights into the complexities of Indigenous political identity and the ongoing struggle for self-determination. It serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Indigenous peoples in navigating the challenges of colonialism and asserting their rightful place in the global political landscape.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774837989