Acceptance and reparations: Andreea Ioana Zota, Ismehen Melouka, Jo-Anne Wemmers, ‘Settler-colonialism, social acceptance, and support for reparations in Canada’, International Review of Victimology, 2025 | settler colonial studies blog

Acceptance and reparations: Andreea Ioana Zota, Ismehen Melouka, Jo-Anne Wemmers, ‘Settler-colonialism, social acceptance, and support for reparations in Canada’, International Review of Victimology, 2025

21Jul25

Abstract: In contexts of collective victimization such as settler colonialism in Canada, recognizing both
historical and ongoing victimization, as well as supporting reparations measures, is crucial for healing
the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and for propelling reconciliation
efforts forward. While most non-Indigenous Canadians recognize the historical victimization of
Indigenous peoples, fewer acknowledge ongoing victimization of Indigenous communities and
support measures promoting their right to self-determination. The recognition of ongoing
inequality can evoke feelings of guilt and pose a threat to the privileges of the advantaged groups,
which may lead to minimizing and disregarding experiences of victimization of the disadvantaged
group. While recognition of ongoing victimization can be uncomfortable, it is not impossible.
According to the needs-based model, members of the advantaged group may be more willing
to acknowledge the ongoing structural victimization and consider relinquishing their privileges if
they receive social acceptance from members of the disadvantaged group. Using data (n=313)
collected from an original survey, this paper examines if social acceptance by Indigenous peoples
influences: (a) acknowledgment of ongoing victimization, (b) support for justice measures, and (c)
recognition of Indigenous autonomy among non-Indigenous Canadians. The findings suggest that
there is a positive relationship between social acceptance and both recognition of victimization
and support for justice measures. However, no significant association was found between social
acceptance and support for autonomy. These findings partially support the needs-based model,
suggesting that social acceptance plays a limited role in promoting reconciliation.

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