Ann-Sophie Boily Publishes in Cahiers du CIÉRA
Congratulations to PhD student Ann-Sophie Boily, whose first solo research article has been published in Cahiers du CIÉRA.
The publication Cahiers du CIÉRA is the result of an initiative by student researchers affiliated with CIÉRA (Centre interuniversitaire d’études et de recherches autochtones). Ann-Sophie’s work appears in the December 2024 issue, which offers perspectives on allyship and how to embody change in a system built on oppression.
Ann-Sophie’s article, “Serihwakweniénsthak ou comment faire de la réconciliation un spectacle: le cas de Marc Miller” is available online.
This article reflects on the posture adopted —not always consciously — by non-Indigenous Liberal MP Marc Miller. He represents a case in point on the “reconciliation through languages” scheme promoted by the federal government. He spoke in Kanyen’kéha at the Parliament of Canada on several occasions, including when the Indigenous Languages Act (2019) was debated before being passed. In this study, critical theories of allyship and reconciliation are used as a basis for a critical linguistic analysis of Miller’s statements in an Indigenous language in the House of Commons, along with their immediate response and distribution in media coverage. In an unconventional way, Miller contributes to Indigenous languages and issues being heard in spheres of power from which they have long been excluded. However, by making such a spectacle of reconciliation, he serves to maintain the colonial status quo.
You can find Ann-Sophie at the 20th Annual Graduate Student Symposium on April 4, where she will be talking about another event that sparked major language debates in French-language press: Mary Simon’s appointment as Governor General of Canada.