Sage and the city: A case study of identity at an urban Aboriginal organization

Abstract

In the past few decades, Aboriginals in Canada have undergone a steep urban transition. The challenges associated with the city, such as racism, poverty, feelings of dislocation, coping and thriving within the broader Canadian society, and negotiating identity, are all issues which led to the creation of urban cultural centres and organizations. Within the context of these organizations, the communities that are formed are multicultural in the sense of bringing together all Aboriginal peoples from a variety of First Nations, Metis and Inuit backgrounds. On one hand, Aboriginal cultural centres are faced with the challenge of respectfully acknowledging the diverse cultures of Aboriginal peoples, while on the other, identifying, and celebrating the common cultural values shared by all Aboriginals. Cultural centres have also stepped up to offer support for Aboriginal people(s) in the ongoing negotiation with modernity and the healing through the process of cultural reclamation. This study, which is exploratory in nature, examines identity at an urban Aboriginal cultural centre, from both individual, and community perspectives. In true postmodern fashion, this work melts away disciplinary boundaries by taking on theoretical approaches from sociology, anthropology, and political philosophy.