Forced Sterilization of Indigenous Women:

An Act of Genocide or Policing Women’s Bodies?

Abstract

Canada’s history of forced sterilization and eugenics is one that is rarely discussed, however, this topic has become prevalent in light of the recent cases of Indigenous women being forcibly sterilized, and who have been and remain a target for such procedures. This paper will take an exploratory approach to the topic and argues that these occurrences of forced sterilization should be examined through the lens of sterilizations as a reflection of ongoing colonial practices, as well as an expression of policing and regulating the bodies and sexuality of Indigenous women. It will begin with an extensive discussion on Canada’s history of settler practices, genocide, and the changing perception of Indigenous women. Next, Canada’s history of eugenics and forced sterilization towards Indigenous populations will be examined. In addition, this paper will explore the stories of Brenda Pelletier and Melika Popp, two recent cases of Indigenous women who have experienced forced sterilization in Saskatchewan. Using these cases, sterilization will be discussed through two lenses: as an act of biological genocide, and as a mechanism for controlling Indigenous women’s bodies and sexuality.