Navigating the Everyday Governance of Settler-Colonialism: An Investigation into Injunctions within the Context of Canada’s Extractive Resource Economy

This research delves into the capillary-like powers of the resource extractive economy of settler-colonialism. The primary objective is to scrutinize the power of injunctions as a legal instrument that effectively circumvents constitutionally protected rights, historical treaty rights, and the entitlements associated with Aboriginal title as articulated within the framework of Canadian common law. The study’s core focus lies in tracing the intricate mechanisms of this legal instrument, from its historical origins, which were once a means to safeguard Aboriginal land claims, to its transformation into a pivotal component of Canada’s extractive economy, despite growing Constitutional and common law recognition of Aboriginal rights and authority. I argue that it’s time for a novel approach in this domain to adequately address the overarching domination of settler colonialism within a contemporary context of an extractive resource economy.

About the presenter:

Kavita Reddy is a PhD candidate in Political Science at the University of Toronto.

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