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Thesis Defence: Rest as Resistance: A Métis-Feminist Theory of the Relevance of Rest in Activism
April 5 at 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Dani Pierson, supervised by Dr. Ilya Parkins, will defend their thesis titled “Rest as Resistance: A Métis-Feminist Theory of the Relevance of Rest in Activism” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Power, Conflict, and Ideas theme.
An abstract for Dani Pierson’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in person defences.
ABSTRACT
Understanding rest and care as integral parts of activist and community organizations has been central to Black feminist and disability activist spaces for many years. Written from my perspective as a Métis-settler student and researcher invested in activist projects, this thesis intends to articulate a theory of Rest as Resistance from a Métis-feminist perspective. In this theory, I intend to illuminate a response to the deeply exhausting ways that the settler state has (historically and presently) attempted to harm Indigenous communities. This response sees rest not as succumbing to these oppressive powers but as a tool to actively resist them. In using the reflective and feminist methodology of auto-theory, combined with practice-based methods where rest is both the topic and the methodology, I aim to elucidate how a theory of Rest as Resistance may support ongoing anti- and de-colonial action. I begin with a thorough synthesis of the work of scholars, writers, and artists who have been grappling with questions of productivity and rest through varied theoretical and personal lenses. Next, utilizing reflexive methods, I name two tenets of a distinct Métis theory of Rest as Resistance: first, following Black feminist theories of Rest as Resistance, rest becomes resistance when it refuses colonial and capitalist standards and expectations of productivity. Second, rest becomes resistance when it centres knowledge and relationships that colonial capitalism attempts to devalue, discredit, or destroy. I explore these tenets through critical and creative considerations of visiting with Land and artmaking as practices of rest.
