Unstable Properties: Aboriginal Title and the Claim of British Columbia

The land question in British Columbia is a history of Crown attempts to solidify claims to Indigenous territory, and the political and intellectual leadership of First Nations has exposed the fragility of BC's political and civil property regimes. Unstable Properties demonstrates that understanding different conceptualizations of land and territorialization is a key element of reconciliation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

The land question, a central issue in British Columbia's political landscape, takes center stage in Unstable Properties. This groundbreaking book challenges the conventional narrative by examining Aboriginal claims to Crown land, instead reframing the debate as a history of Crown efforts to assert its sovereignty over Indigenous territories. The political and intellectual leadership of First Nations has brought to light the inherent weaknesses of BC's political and civil property regimes, emphasizing the urgent need for the province to address diverse interpretations of sovereignty, governance, territory, and property. Spanning from historical-geographic processes that shaped the province's territorial identity to significant events of the twenty-first century, the authors of this insightful study shed light on the unstable ideological underpinnings of land and title arrangements.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission underscored the importance of educating Canadians about settler colonialism. Unstable Properties contributes significantly to this endeavor by showcasing the pivotal role of understanding diverse conceptualizations of land and territorialization in the process of reconciliation. By delving into the complex historical and social dynamics that have shaped land ownership and management in British Columbia, the book offers valuable insights into the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by Indigenous communities. It serves as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and all individuals interested in promoting a more inclusive and equitable society. Through its innovative approach, Unstable Properties contributes to the growing body of literature that seeks to challenge dominant narratives and promote a more inclusive and just society.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774866255