Glen Coulthard facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Glen Coulthard
Coulthard in 2013
Born	Glen Sean Coulthard 1974 (age 50–51)
Nationality	Canadian
Alma mater	University of Victoria
Notable work	Red Skin, White Masks (2014)
Scientific career
Thesis	Subjects of Empire? (2009)
Doctoral advisor	James Tully
Other academic advisors	Taiaiake Alfred
Influences	Frantz Fanon

Glen Sean Coulthard (born 1974) is a Canadian professor and writer. He is a member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Coulthard is known for his work in Indigenous studies, which is the study of the history, culture, and rights of Indigenous peoples.

He is an associate professor of political science at the University of British Columbia. He also helped start a special school called Dechinta: Centre for Research and Learning. This school teaches students on the land, following Indigenous traditions.

Coulthard is most famous for his 2014 book, Red Skin, White Masks: Rejecting the Colonial Politics of Recognition.

Education

Glen Coulthard earned his higher education degrees from the University of Victoria. He received a Master of Arts degree in Indigenous governance. He also earned a doctorate (PhD) in philosophy from the political science department.

His final paper for his doctorate was called Subjects of Empire? Indigenous Peoples and the "Politics of Recognition" in Canada. It was supervised by the philosopher James Tully. An earlier version of this work won an award for best article of the year in 2007.

Career and Important Work

After finishing his PhD in 2009, Coulthard helped create Dechinta. The school began its programs in 2010. He divides his teaching time between the University of British Columbia and Dechinta.

Red Skin, White Masks

In 2014, Coulthard published his first and most famous book, Red Skin, White Masks. The book won several awards and was praised by many experts. The title is a tribute to the book Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon, a writer who greatly influenced Coulthard's ideas about fighting colonialism. Colonialism is when one country takes control of another land and its people.

In his book, Coulthard argues that the Canadian government's attempts to "recognize" or acknowledge Indigenous peoples are not enough. He believes these efforts can sometimes be a way to control Indigenous groups instead of giving them true freedom and the right to govern themselves.

Grounded Normativity

A key idea in Coulthard's book is grounded normativity. Scholar Leanne Betasamosake Simpson explains this as the idea that a community's ethics and rules should come from their deep connection to their land. These values are learned through traditional practices and knowledge passed down through generations.

Speaking Out

Glen Coulthard often speaks about Indigenous rights and politics. He has shared his views on many important events.

• 2011 Vancouver Riot: After a hockey riot in Vancouver, Coulthard disagreed with the mayor for blaming anarchists. He said that most anarchists believe in non-violent ways to create a better society.
• 2020 Protests: During protests in 2020 over a pipeline on Wetʼsuwetʼen land, Coulthard was quoted in newspapers. He criticized the government's response, saying it unfairly blamed Indigenous people who were protecting their homeland.
• Support for Others: Coulthard has also signed open letters to support other groups. In 2019, he joined others in a letter to the United Nations about political events in Bolivia. In 2023, he co-signed a declaration of Indigenous solidarity with Palestinians.

Selected Works

Glen Coulthard has written many books, essays, and articles. Here are a few of his most important ones.

Books

• Red Skin, White Masks: Rejecting the Colonial Politics of Recognition (2014)

Essays

• “Beyond Recognition: Indigenous Self-Determination as Prefigurative Practice” (2008)
• “From 'Wards of the State' to Subjects of Recognition?” (2014)

Articles

• “Subjects of Empire: Indigenous Peoples and the 'Politics of Recognition' in Canada” (2007)