Lessons in Legitimacy: Colonialism, Capitalism, and the Rise of State Schooling in British Columbia

Between 1849 and 1930, government-assisted schooling in British Columbia supported the development of a capitalist settler society. Lessons in Legitimacy examines state schooling for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, revealing how it normalized settler capitalism and the making of British Columbia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

Between 1849 and 1930, the government-assisted schooling system in what is now British Columbia played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of a capitalist settler society. The book Lessons in Legitimacy delves into the state-run education system for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, encompassing public schools, Indian Day Schools, and Indian Residential Schools. These schools operated in distinct yet complementary ways, imparting lessons that normalized settler capitalism and contributed to the establishment of British Columbia. Church and state officials administered separate school systems that trained Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and youth to assume and embrace unequal roles in the emerging social order.

By drawing upon insights from history, Indigenous studies, historical materialism, and political economy, this groundbreaking study sheds light on how an understanding of the historical uses of schooling can inform contemporary discussions about the role of education in reconciliation and improving Indigenous-settler relations. It highlights the complex and multifaceted ways in which education has been employed to perpetuate colonialism, marginalize Indigenous cultures, and reinforce settler dominance.

Furthermore, the book explores the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing quality education, as well as the efforts made by educators, activists, and policymakers to address historical injustices and promote equity and inclusivity in the education system. Lessons in Legitimacy serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the historical roots of contemporary social and political issues, as well as the potential for education to play a role in fostering reconciliation and promoting a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774868082