How do religious assumptions show up in how “nations” define themselves?
Choose one of the following discussion topics to open a conversation about
Discuss: Defining “Nation-State”
(Geary reading)
1) Choose one of the two following preambles to the constitutions of the Ojibwe (see Anishinaabeg map) and Osage (see Osage map) Nations.
2) Explain how this document integrates both Euro-based concepts of “nation” with traditional group-identifications as “People”.
3) Comment on what and whose interests are served by this hybridization.
White Earth Nation of the Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe): preamble, 2009 new constitution
“The Anishinaabeg of the White Earth Nation are the ancestors of a great tradition of continental liberty, a native constitution of families, totemic associations.
The Anishinaabeg create stories of natural reason, of courage, loyalty, humor, spiritual inspiration, survivance, reciprocal altruism, and native cultural sovereignty.
” We the Anishinaabeg of the White Earth Nation in order to secure an inherent and essential sovereignty, to promote traditions of liberty, justice, and peace, and reserve common resources, and to ensure the inalienable rights of native governance for our posterity, do constitute, ordain, and establish this Constitution of the White Earth Nation.
