Introduction
The lack of affordable and adequate housing in the Northwest Territories, particularly for Indigenous women and girls, has led two national housing groups to call for a state of emergency. These groups demand that Indigenous voices be heard in decision-making to ensure their housing needs are met (Blake 23). Additionally, they are calling for the dissolution of the housing corporation and for Indigenous governments and organizations to take the lead in addressing the housing crisis. This crisis is a direct result of colonial policies that have denied Indigenous peoples their right to their land, resulting in marginalization, poverty, and homelessness. This news item can be related to Blomley’s text, which provides insight into how the displacement of Indigenous peoples from their land has led to their marginalization in urban centers. Similarly, Miki’s text provides insights into how the government’s policies towards Japanese Canadians were informed by racism and prejudice. The current housing crisis in the Northwest Territories is a product of systemic racism and discrimination towards Indigenous peoples, highlighting the ongoing need for reconciliation and decolonization in Canada.
Part A: Background Information
Canada’s lack of affordable and adequate housing is a longstanding issue affecting many communities nationwide. High housing costs, low vacancy rates, and inadequate social housing options have made it increasingly difficult for Canadians to find safe and affordable places to live. This problem is particularly acute for marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and low-income individuals and families. The lack of affordable housing has contributed to a rise in homelessness, overcrowding, and housing insecurity, which has led to adverse health and social outcomes for many Canadians. While all levels of government have taken steps to address the housing crisis, many advocates argue that more must be done to ensure everyone can access affordable and adequate housing. The housing crisis is an ongoing challenge that requires continued attention and action to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In response to this situation, several groups call for Housing N.W.T. to be supervised by a council of Indigenous experts around the territory. They think Indigenous people should have a say in making decisions to satisfy their housing demands (Blake par. 13).
This crisis is about providing shelter and addressing the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity. It is about recognizing the systemic issues that have led to this crisis, including colonization, residential schools, and the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations. The territorial government must address this crisis, not just for the well-being of Indigenous people but also for the territory’s economic development. The lack of adequate housing options hinders Indigenous people’s ability to participate fully in the economy and access education and health services. According to Blake, addressing the housing crisis can only be achievable by incorporating indigenous governments, which she believes are best suited for this vital role (par. 14).
This current news in Canada can be related to Blomley’s book, which provides insight into how the displacement of Indigenous peoples from their land has led to their marginalization in urban centers (82). In the case of the Northwest Territories, the lack of access to adequate housing is a direct result of colonial policies that have denied Indigenous peoples their right to their land. The displacement of Indigenous peoples from their homes and communities has devastated their cultural and social well-being, contributing to poverty, homelessness, and mental health problems. The failure of the government to provide adequate housing for Indigenous peoples in the Northwest Territories is a clear violation of their human rights. The lack of affordable and safe housing has made it difficult for Indigenous peoples to access education, employment, and healthcare services, further exacerbating their marginalization. The current housing crisis in the Northwest Territories directly results from the government’s failure to address the systemic poverty, inequality, and discrimination Indigenous peoples face in Canada.
Miki also provides insights into how the Canadian government’s policies towards Japanese Canadians were informed by racism and prejudice. The internment policy was based on the unfounded belief that Japanese Canadians posed a threat to national security, even though most were Canadian citizens (Miki 54). The policy resulted in the loss of property, homes, and businesses for Japanese Canadians and had a profound and lasting impact on their community. Similarly, the current housing crisis in the Northwest Territories is rooted in systemic issues of racism and colonialism. Indigenous peoples have been historically and systematically marginalized and dispossessed of their land, resources, and sovereignty by colonial policies and practices. As a result, Indigenous communities continue to experience high rates of poverty, homelessness, and inadequate housing. The failure of the government to address these issues and provide adequate housing for Indigenous peoples reflects the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the persistent marginalization of Indigenous communities. Just as the internment policy was a product of racism and xenophobia towards Japanese Canadians, the housing crisis in the Northwest Territories is a product of systemic racism and discrimination towards Indigenous peoples.
Miki’s insights remind us that racism and discrimination can have profound and lasting impacts on communities and that it is essential to address these issues to create a more just and equitable society for all. The current housing crisis in the Northwest Territories is a stark reminder of Canada’s ongoing need for reconciliation and decolonization. Additionally, the readings show how the government’s policies have resulted in the displacement of Indigenous communities. Blomley’s text shows how the politics of property and land have been used to displace Indigenous communities, while Miki’s text shows how racist policies have resulted in the loss of property and homes for Japanese Canadians through the evacuation process (51). The current news item highlights how the government’s failure to provide adequate housing has resulted in the loss of homes and property for Indigenous people. In all three cases, displacement and loss have resulted from government policies and actions.
Part B: Interpretation
The news article presented is significant in understanding the current state of housing in Indigenous communities in Canada. Housing is a critical issue facing Indigenous people and has long been a longstanding issue in Canada. Indigenous people, particularly women, and girls, are more likely to experience homelessness or live in inadequate housing conditions than non-Indigenous people in Canada (Blake par. 1). By understanding this news item, we can comprehend the extent of the housing crisis faced by Indigenous people in Canada and the actions being taken to address the issue. This knowledge can help inform discussions and policy decisions regarding housing in Indigenous communities, ultimately leading to meaningful solutions that improve the living conditions and quality of life for Indigenous people in Canada.
Understanding Blomley’s analysis of the politics of property and how it has impacted Indigenous people’s access to land in urban areas is essential in interpreting the current news item in Canada. Blomley argues that the legal systems have favored white settlers in securing property rights while dispossessing Indigenous people of their lands. This analysis helps us understand the structural factors that have led to the housing crisis Indigenous people face in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.). Blomley’s framework emphasizes the importance of the logic of property in shaping the allocation and use of land in urban areas, which in turn affects access to housing (84). The call for a state of emergency for housing Indigenous people, particularly women, and girls, highlights the situation’s urgency and the need to reassess current housing policies and practices that have failed the Indigenous people. Therefore, Blomley’s analysis provides a broader context for understanding the current state of housing in Indigenous communities in Canada and the need for urgent action to address the crisis.
Furthermore, Miki states that the Japanese Canadian redress movement was not a top-down effort but a community-led initiative involving numerous organizations and individuals working together to advocate for their rights (47). This approach is also visible in the current situation in the N.W.T., where Indigenous groups call for urgent action to address the housing crisis. The state of an emergency call is a manifestation of grassroots activism, which seeks to draw attention to the urgent needs of the Indigenous people in the N.W.T. It is important to note that Miki’s book and the current news item underscore the need for systemic change and the recognition of the rights of marginalized communities in Canada. Through their struggles for redress, Japanese Canadians and the Indigenous people are demanding justice, equity, and respect for their human rights.
In general, it is essential to note that the issue of housing in Indigenous communities is not isolated to the N.W.T. but rather a national issue affecting Indigenous peoples across Canada. The call for a state of emergency for housing in the N.W.T. brings attention to the more significant systemic issue of the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the dispossession of Indigenous peoples from their lands and resources (Miki 53). Moreover, the struggles of Indigenous peoples for their rights and dignity extend beyond the issue of housing and are interconnected with issues such as land rights, resource extraction, and access to healthcare and education. The readings by Blomley and Miki shed light on the broader historical and political context of these struggles and provide insights into how communities can mobilize to demand change and redress past injustices. In my opinion, understanding the context and historical roots of the housing crisis faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada is crucial for comprehending the urgency of the state of emergency call and the need for systemic change to address the ongoing injustices faced by these communities.
Part C: Persuasion
A persuasion is a form of communication that is used to influence the attitudes or behaviors of others. In literature, persuasion is often used to convey a sense of urgency or importance about a particular issue. The two readings are relevant to the current news article in Canada. In both readings, the writers use rhetorical strategies to engage and persuade their readers to pay attention to issues related to land and housing. In “Land and the Postcolonial City,” Blomley argues that colonial histories of dispossession and exploitation shape the politics of property in postcolonial cities. He highlights how urban land is often treated as a commodity to be bought and sold rather than as a resource that should be used to benefit all members of society (Blomley 85). Blomley persuades his readers to pay attention to this issue by highlighting how the politics of property are linked to broader questions of social justice and equality. He suggests that by challenging the dominant narratives about property and land, it is possible to create more equitable and sustainable cities.
Similarly, in “From Redress: Inside the Japanese Canadian Call for Justice,” Miki argues that Japanese Canadians’ forced relocation and internment during World War violated their human rights (50). He describes how Japanese Canadians were stripped of their land, homes, and possessions and how this experience shaped their identity and belonging. Miki persuades his readers to pay attention to this issue by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing past injustices. He suggests that acknowledging the harm done to Japanese Canadians makes it possible to begin to heal the wounds of the past and create a more just and inclusive society.
The Canadian housing article aims to persuade readers that urgent action is required to address the housing crisis faced by Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories, specifically focusing on women and girls. The writer employs several persuasive techniques to make their argument. Firstly, the writer cites two national housing groups, the National Indigenous Housing Network and Women’s National Housing and Homeless Network, to establish credibility and legitimacy for their argument (Blake par. 2). By referring to these well-respected organizations, the writer implies that the issue is a pressing concern and requires attention. Additionally, the writer uses strong language to convey the severity of the situation. The use of phrases such as “state of emergency” and “failing northern Indigenous people” creates a sense of urgency and highlights the seriousness of the situation (Blake par. 3). In addition to this, the writer proposes specific solutions to the issue. By calling for Housing N.W.T. to release control over housing units and for a group of Indigenous advisers to oversee its decisions, the writer suggests a tangible solution to the problem.
The writers in the two readings use rhetorical strategies such as metaphor, imagery, and anecdote to persuade their readers to pay attention to issues related to land and housing. Blomley uses the metaphor of urban land as a commodity to highlight how property is often prioritized over people (84). Miki uses personal anecdotes and imagery to convey the trauma and loss experienced by Japanese Canadians during World War. These same rhetorical strategies are evident in the current news item. Housing advocates use anecdotes to illustrate the urgent need for housing in the Northwest Territories, particularly among Indigenous women and girls. They also use metaphors, such as “housing state of emergency,” to convey the severity of the situation.
Conclusion
Blomley’s article comprehensively analyzes how government policies and practices have shaped property politics in the postcolonial city. He highlights how the dispossession of Indigenous peoples from their lands and territories has been a central feature of colonialism in Canada and how legal mechanisms like the Indian Act have been used to restrict Indigenous access to their lands. Furthermore, he explains how urban land-use planning and zoning have displaced marginalized groups to make room for growth and gentrification, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and displacement that characterizes Indigenous peoples’ experiences in Canada. Similarly, Miki’s book provides a detailed account of the experiences of Japanese Canadians during World War II and their fight for restitution. He sheds light on the hardships endured by Japanese Canadians forced to live in inadequate internment facilities due to racism and xenophobia. Miki demonstrates how government policies have targeted minority populations and led to their dispossession, emphasizing the impact of such policies on marginalized communities.
The current news article on the Northwest Territories housing crisis highlights Indigenous communities’ ongoing struggles to secure their rights to adequate housing and land. The crisis is a direct result of government policies that have failed to address the housing needs of Indigenous peoples, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and displacement. The connection between these two readings and the current news item emphasizes the urgent need to address systemic injustices and work toward greater social justice and equity for all members of our society. As we move forward, it is essential to continue to engage with these issues and to ask critical questions about how we can work towards greater social justice and equity for all members of our society. How can we ensure that Indigenous peoples’ rights to housing and land are respected and upheld? How can we address the systemic injustices that underlie these issues? We must continue to grapple with these essential questions that require ongoing engagement and dialogue.
Reference(s)
Blake, Emily. Housing Groups Call for State of Emergency for Indigenous People in N.W.T. The Canadian Press, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/housing-groups-call-for-state-of-emergency-for-indigenous-people-in-n-w-t/article_4a61833c-f435-5991-9f02-3bb123cc6a8b.html.
Blomley, Nicholas. “Land and the Postcolonial City.” Unsettling the City: Urban Land and the Politics of Property. New York: Routledge, 2004. pp. 82–91.
Miki, Roy. Redress: Inside the Japanese Canadian call for justice. Raincoast books, 2004. pp.49-55
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