Indigenous Self-Determination in Quebec: An interview with Chief Picard

Abstract

This article provides a contemporary account of the indigenous struggle for self-determination in Québec, Canada. It first presents a synopsis of the indigenous narrative, outlining historical and demographical facts, their societal structure at the community and national level and significant judicial statutes that shape the struggle. It also discusses the nature of the competing Québécois struggle for self-determination. The second and substantial part of this article provides a verbatim transcript of an interview with Chief Picard conducted in 2004 in which he offers an organic account of First Nations issues of identity, methodology, space and the nature of the struggle.