Citizenship in the Outside Circle

In the graphic novel The Outside Circle, by Patti LaBoucane-Benson and art by Kelly Mellings, Pete and his younger brother Joey demonstrate some of the ways citizenship has changed (or is in the process of changing) in Canada since Confederation.  Pete and Joey are First Nations, and feel as though they have little power in their own lives or communities.  In large part this may be caused by epigenetic inheritance which suggests that significant stress or trauma suffered in one generation, may be passed down to the next generation (mostly studied in next generation holocaust survivors).

This image (left) from the novel shows the historical cultural baggage that impacts Pete as he tries to live his life.  Many of the things on his arm represent events or issues that make it difficult or impossible for Pete to participate in Canadian society in a way that makes him a positive citizen.

Because of the way First Nations have been treated and disempowered by the government through things like the Indian Act (1867) and residential schools (approximately 1880 - 1996) First Nations people often don’t feel like they have a place in Canadian society.  The government worked toward a cultural genocide which left natives without a place in any society.  

In the graphic novel Pete becomes a more positive citizen as he learns more about his cultural past and understand why he has been disempowered.  As he learns about his past, and understands how his life has been impacted by the  experiences of his parents and cultural community, he can better understand his role in society.  One of the most significant factors that affects Pete’s desire to be a more positive citizen is his love for his brother and his wish to keep him from following in his footsteps.

The elements of citizenship that I think Pete develops in the novel are highlighted below in blue.  In yellow, I’ve highlighted some the elements that others in the novel demonstrate that had a positive impact on Pete in his journey to becoming a more positive citizen.

Going back to the initial question: How is citizenship different in 2016 than it was is 1867? These changes in Pete reflect the changes in the idea of citizenship. In Canada citizenship is much more inclusive in 2016 than it was in 1867. First Nations were not even considered Canadian citizens until 1956 when the Canadian Citizenship Act was amended.