Settler-colonialism, social acceptance, and support for reparations in Canada

In contexts of collective victimization such as settler colonialism in Canada, recognizing both historical and ongoing victimization, as well as supporting reparations measures, is crucial for healing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and for propelling reconciliation efforts forward. While most non-Indigenous Canadians recognize the historical victimization of Indigenous peoples, fewer acknowledge ongoing victimization of Indigenous communities and support measures promoting their right to self-determination. The recognition of ongoing inequality can evoke feelings of guilt and pose a threat to the privileges of the advantaged groups, which may lead to minimizing and disregarding experiences of victimization of the disadvantaged group. While recognition of ongoing victimization can be uncomfortable, it is not impossible. According to the needs-based model, members of the advantaged group may be more willing to acknowledge the ongoing structural victimization and consider relinquishing their privileges if they receive social acceptance from members of the disadvantaged group. Using data (n = 313) collected from an original survey, this paper examines if social acceptance by Indigenous peoples influences: (a) acknowledgment of ongoing victimization, (b) support for justice measures, and (c) recognition of Indigenous autonomy among non-Indigenous Canadians. The findings suggest that there is a positive relationship between social acceptance and both recognition of victimization and support for justice measures. However, no significant association was found between social acceptance and support for autonomy. These findings partially support the needs-based model, suggesting that social acceptance plays a limited role in promoting reconciliation.