Justifying the status quo while recognizing structural victimization: The challenge of reconciliation in Canada

Reconciliation in Canada requires a deep societal transformation in which the majority population (non-Indigenous Canadians) not only recognizes the historic victimization of Indigenous peoples in Canada but also recognizes their ongoing structural victimization. However, members of the advantaged group may be reluctant to embrace change and give up their privileged position. According to System Justification Theory, people are motivated to justify the existing system (status quo) even when it produces socioeconomic inequities. In this paper, we examine the willingness of non-Indigenous Canadians (n = 58) in the province of Quebec to recognize Indigenous victimization. We then explore their attitudes toward recognizing economic autonomy and ceding control over resources to Indigenous peoples. While most respondents claim to support the economic autonomy of Indigenous peoples, a qualitative analysis of their views on what should be done to improve the economic situation paints a more nuanced picture. Some participants support the self-determination of Indigenous peoples, and others support the maintenance of the colonial status quo, whether in the form of collaboration or total control from the state.