Date of Award
12-1998
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Ronald C. Kramer
Second Advisor
Dr. Douglas Davidson
Third Advisor
Dr. Don Fixico
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Subhash Sonnad
Abstract
In recent years powerful multinational mining corporations have attempted to mine various minerals found on Indian lands in the northern region of Wisconsin. These lands are currently protected from corporate incursion by treaties between the Chippewa people and the United States government. The Chippewa are using the treaties as an obstacle to corporate access to their lands and to protect their lands from the environmental devastation that will occur from proposed mining ventures.
This case study utilizes a power-reflexive method to analyze the power of the state to control rich mineral resources known to be on reservation lands. Under examination are state and corporate actors and the methods used in an attempt to abrogate the treaties made during the 1800s so that they may continue to use the Chippewa as a resource colony to gain access to these rich mineral deposits. A power-reflexive approach in this research will demonstrate how native peoples are challenging the most powerful institutions of a large nation state by using their capabilities to blend assertion of treaty rights with innovative and militant forms of environmental activism.
This research focuses on the American Indian point of view and how consideration of American Indian views and philosophies concerning the environment can help create a new heritage of respect, cooperation, and freedom.
Access Setting
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Robyn, Linda Marie, "Resource Colonialism and Native Resistance: The Mining Wars in Wisconsin" (1998). Dissertations. 1577.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/1577