Pan-Indianism

Pan-Indianism is a movement of Aboriginal resistance to domination and assimilation and is characterized primarily by political and religious expression and solidarity. Key historical figures include PONTIAC and HANDSOME LAKE. Leaders since colonial times have advocated that Aboriginal people free themselves, even if this means violence. The Peyote Cult, a reaction to Christian teachings and beliefs, originated in the southern plains area during the later 19th century and gradually symbolized the unity of indigenous people across North America. Red Power is pan-Indian sentiment committed to radical political action, as in the National Congress of American Indians (1944) and the American Indian Movement (1968). These rights-oriented groups believe that Aboriginal people must choose between assimilation and being Aboriginal people, and that Canadian and American government obligations to Aboriginal people are binding.

See also NATIVE PEOPLE, POLITICAL ORGANIZATION AND ACTIVISM.

Author RENÉ R. GADACZ

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge
The website for the Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge, which features Canada's largest essay writing competition for Aboriginal youth (ages 14-29) and a companion program for those who prefer to work through painting, drawing and photography. See their guidelines, teacher resources, profiles of winners, and more. From the Historica-Dominion Institute.

Four Directions Teachings
Elders and traditional teachers representing the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and Mi’kmaq share teachings about their history and culture. Animated graphics visualize each of the oral teachings. This website also provides biographies of participants, transcripts, and an extensive array of learning resources for students and their teachers. In English with French subtitles.