Construction of Relationship Frames in the Aboriginal Rights Support Movement: The Articulation of Solidarity With the Lubicon Cree of Northern Canada

Abstract

This article describes the creation of specific solidarity relationship frames within an Aboriginal rights support network in Alberta, Canada. Advocacy relationship frames are discussed in the context of literature on social movement action framing processes as well as literature on solidarity relationships within social movements. After a brief explanation of research methods, the Lubicon Cree land rights conflict is introduced as a specific example of non-Aboriginal advocacy of an Aboriginal cause. In the Lubicon situation, supporters understood their solidarity as a commitment to those who were socially marginalized but this commitment was complicated by various factors such as the power imbalance between Lubicon and their advocates as well as the cultural differences between the two sides. The relatively passive framing of the solidarity relationship may also have contributed to a subsequent dissipation of support and a lack of ongoing direct and personal connection with the Lubicon people.

Citation

Funk-Unrau, N. (2005), "Construction of Relationship Frames in the Aboriginal Rights Support Movement: The Articulation of Solidarity With the Lubicon Cree of Northern Canada", Coy, P.G. (Ed.) Research in Social Movements, Conflicts and Change (Research in Social Movements, Conflicts and Change, Vol. 26), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 239-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0163-786X(05)26008-1