War, Wampum, and Recognition: Algonquin Transborder Political Activism during the Early Twentieth Century, 1919–1931

Abstract:This article argues that modern Native political organizing in Eastern Canada began shortly after the Great War. The Algonquin at Kitigan Zibi coconstructed and participated in transborder political networks designed to bring attention to their cause and claims. They employed their treaties and wampum belts including the Royal Proclamation of 1763 to argue for the recognition of their treaty rights and traditional lands. By 1931, the Department of Indian Affairs was successful in temporarily shutting down Algonquin political organizing. However, throughout the remainder of the twentieth century, the Algonquin continued their transborder political associations and continued to press for recognition of their treaty rights and traditional lands.