Assignment -2_Group 11

.docx

School

Capilano University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

255

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by vasusutariya

Vasu Sutariya Christine Nguyen Assignment #2 – Indigenous Culture Reflection 1. Summary of your (team) perspective on indigenous culture and issues they have confronted since colonization. Indigenous and Aboriginal peoples of Canada, also known as First Nation, are a varied group with their own history, languages, customs, and religious beliefs (Zach, 2007) Their culture is a traditional knowledge system and has a special relationship to the land. Indigenous people maintain that they are entitled to the places they were living in and have the right to use the land for customary purposes such as fishing, hunting and other activities (Susan,n.d). However, Indigenous people have experienced several injustices since European colonists arrived. They were forced to give up on their lands and resources when the settlers claimed control over the area. Canada's Indigenous peoples not only suffered severe and permanent from colonization but also had their culture stolen. An array of laws and customs were applied to indigenous peoples in an effort to control their territory and resources and integrate them into European-Canadian society. The residential school system was one of them; it caused Indigenous children to be cut apart from their families and communities and lose their identity, language, and culture. (Miller, 2012). Together with being compelled to give up their lands through treaties and other legal mechanisms, Indigenous peoples also faced laws and policies that curtailed their freedom of religion, movement, and culture. Moreover, Indigenous peoples were frequently the targets of abuse and exploitation by settlers and government agents, and illnesses brought by the colonization of Canada also killed out large portions of the Indigenous population. 2. Discuss the impact of colonization on their culture and way of living. Provide examples. (include citations to support your answer).

Loss of Land and Disconnection from the Environment: Colonization led to Indigenous peoples being forcibly removed from their ancestral lands, disrupting their deep spiritual, cultural, and physical connections to the land (Cardinal, 2019) . This disconnection not only affected their traditional ways of living but also their identities and social structures, as the land is central to Indigenous worldviews and ways of life. Erosion of Language and Culture : The imposition of colonial languages and education systems sought to assimilate Indigenous peoples and erode their languages and cultures (Cardinal, 2019) . This led to a significant loss of linguistic diversity and cultural practices, impacting the transmission of traditional knowledge, stories, and values from one generation to the next. Introduction of Diseases and Population Declines : The arrival of colonizers introduced new diseases to Indigenous populations, who had no immunity to these illnesses (Cardinal, 2019) . This led to catastrophic population declines, further exacerbated by violence and policies aimed at assimilating or eliminating Indigenous cultures (Joseph, 2017) . Undermining of Social Structures and Governance : Colonial policies often undermined traditional Indigenous governance systems, replacing them with structures that did not align with Indigenous ways of managing their communities and resources (Cardinal, 2019) . This shift disrupted social cohesion and traditional means of conflict resolution, decision-making, and community organization. The collective impact of colonization on Indigenous cultures and ways of living cannot be overstated. It has led to systemic inequalities, health disparities, and ongoing struggles for rights and recognition. However, Indigenous communities continue to resist these impacts, working towards the revitalization of their cultures, languages, and rights. They are reclaiming their

traditions, governance structures, and relationships with the land, highlighting the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples in the face of colonization(Cook 2024). 3. What is the Worldview from the Indigenous perspective? How does it compare with your culture’s Worldview? (include citations to support your answer) The worldviews of Indigenous peoples and Western societies are shaped by distinct cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives: Relationship with Nature : Indigenous worldviews frequently emphasize how closely people are connected to and dependent upon nature. It is believed that nature is a living thing with sacred and spiritual importance. Indigenous cultures place a high value on environmental care and respect because they understand that humans and the natural world are mutually dependent (Kaminski, 2013). On the other hand, Western viewpoints have historically seen nature as a resource to be used for humanistic and economic reasons, which frequently results in environmental degradation. Spirituality and Science : Spiritual beliefs are often incorporated into everyday life in Indigenous worldviews. There is a holistic viewpoint that connects the spiritual, material, and environmental domains. In Indigenous cosmologies, relationships with the earth, spirits, and ancestors play a major role. On the other hand, despite their diversity, Western worldviews have witnessed a collapse in organized religion and a move towards scientific rationality, which requires proof as a basis of belief (Derek, 2011). Concept of Time: Indigenous worldviews may perceive time cyclically, where events and processes are seen as interconnected and recurring. This knowledge of cycles highlights the significance of life's continuity and cycles in nature. On the other hand, events are typically seen as following a linear timeline in the Western worldview, which is shaped by linear conceptions of time ((Linda, 2022)

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version