Contact Zones

This book explores the complex roles of women during colonial encounters, highlighting their unique positions in the 'contact zone' between Aboriginals and newcomers in Contact Zones.

This thought-provoking work delves into the unique position of women during the colonial encounter, often referred to as the 'contact zone' between Aboriginal peoples and newcomers. Contact Zones intricately weaves Canadian women's history within the broader frameworks of colonial and imperial systems. Women found themselves navigating complex roles as both colonizers and the colonized, sometimes even at the same time. While some women managed to push against societal expectations, others felt compelled to adhere to them, revealing the diverse experiences of women during this transformative period.

The narratives of Aboriginal women such as E. Pauline Johnson, Bernice Loft, and Ethel Brant Monture are central to the exploration in Contact Zones. These women crafted their identities across cultural divides, skillfully engaging with white audiences throughout Canada. However, this engagement came with its own set of challenges, as newcomers increasingly imposed regulations on Aboriginal women's bodies and lives. Missionaries advocated for Christian ideals of marriage, often disregarding the realities of mixed-race and polygamous unions. The Department of Indian Affairs further complicated matters by penalizing Aboriginal women who did not conform to prescribed roles of wives and mothers, highlighting the stark contrasts in expectations between Indigenous and settler women.

Contact Zones draws from a rich collection of primary sources to illuminate the enduring nature of colonial discourse and its impact on lived experiences. The book raises essential questions about who belonged within the nation, who stood as outsiders, and how individuals navigated and sometimes transgressed these boundaries. Through its comprehensive analysis, the book offers a nuanced understanding of the embodied experiences that defined the colonial enterprise, making it a significant contribution to the discourse surrounding gender, race, and colonialism.