Speaker:  Dr. Ian Fanning, Department of Global Development Studies, Queen’s University

Research Talk Title:  Modes of Algonquin Masculinity within Gendered Settler Colonialism

ABSTRACT
How do Algonquin people view masculine identities among our people? How do Algonquin masculine identities interact with identity politics and the gendered process of settler colonialism? Algonquin masculinit(y)ies, and their reinvigorations, alongside understandings and articulations of diverse Indigenous masculinities, celebrate the function of ‘masculinity’ among Algonquin peoples in contemporary and historical contexts in lands claimed by Canada. Many Algonquin individuals move away from the erroneous gender binaries that perpetuate hetero-patriarchy. It is not just those who identify as men who can take on protectorship and provision. A “role” is something you enact, you perform; “status” is something that is assigned. In this way, this discussion of Algonquin masculinities pushes toward greater openness, while it binds understandings of ethical behaviour back to the community and to the land.