Deckha, Maneesha

Is Culture Taboo?: Feminism, Intersectionality, and Culture Talk in Law

This article explores different theories addressing the tension, both real and perceived, of cultural claims and gender equality in the legal system. The author presents two opposing theories, Universalist and Post-Colonial, the former relying on an Enlightenment influenced cultural ranking, and the latter using a nuanced post-colonial approach to culture as a basis for analysis. Although divergent in approach, the author finds that the two theories reach the same conclusion with respect to gender: cultural equality and gender equality are diametrically opposed.

A Strong and Meaningful Role for First Nations Women in Governance in First Nations Women, Governance and the Indian Act: A Collection of Policy

This report focuses primarily on policy alternatives for ensuring that Aboriginal women are able to equally participate in governance. It contains a review of the legal status of Aboriginal peoples in Canada and notes that none of the treaties or self-government agreements between First Nations and Canada has gender equality provisions. One of the authors' main suggestions is that gender equality provisions should be inserted into treaties and documents relating to First Nations governance.