Achieving Economic Stability in First Nations in Canada

This symbolic journey reveals to the reader a subtle insight into the overwhelming, lack of respect and pure mockery towards the noble first nations people. Like Lois in the story, it is only now, centuries later, that European Canadians see the important role that Native Canadians play in the national identity of the Country in which they live. Unfortunately, after reading Atwood’s short story, that after centuries of abuse by the European culture towards first nations people it may be too late for these once proud people to regain the culture they once knew and had, due to the loss of fundamental aspects of what they once were as a

The impact of colonization on First Nations peoples in Canada is unsurpassable, regarding every aspect of Aboriginal life and well-being. Throughout Canadian history, the government has been aiming to assimilate and annihilate Aboriginal people by way of racist policies, ethnocentric institutions, discriminatory laws and destructive capitalist behaviours. Because of this, Aboriginal people have suffered many losses, both physically and culturally. One of the main perpetrators of enacting this loss is the education system. The education system in Canada has and continues to threaten the relationship First Nations peoples have with the land. The connection First Nations peoples have with the land is crucial to their cultures, traditions, ceremonies and beliefs. Colonization and colonialism jeopardize this relationship and that is what this essay will address.

Since the colonization of Canada First Nations people have been discriminated against and assimilated into the new culture of Canada through policies created by the government. Policies created had the intentions of improving the Aboriginal people’s standard of living and increasing their opportunities. Mainly in the past hundred years in Canadian Society, policies and government implemented actions such as; Residential schools, the Indian Act, and reserve systems have resulted in extinguishing native culture, teachings, and pride. Policies towards the treatment of Aboriginal Canadians has decreased their opportunities and standard of living because of policies specified previously (Residential schools, the Indian Act, and reservation systems).

Often times, when it came to the discussion on equality within Canada, the actions of Canada were compared to those of the United States, and often times, a comment is made stating that the United States could learn from Canada’s example when it came to racial harmony. However, this idea was often criticized as the racial problems within Canada were just as severe. The respect and the livelihood of the First Nation were violated for years even before the start of the twentieth century. However, the issues of the First Nations were hardly ever brought to light by other Canadians because these issues were often hidden deep within the reserves that these First Nations were forced into. From taking their land away to disregarding their cultures, the government rarely ever acknowledged the needs of the First Nations until they could no longer be ignored. The government continuously stressed assimilation, especially with the Indian Act , and expected the First Nations

The Canadian government says that it is dedicated to making its obligations to First Nations by discussing issues and bringing closure to all claims. Canada likes to underlie that by looking at the historic inequality and building strong partnerships among First Nations people; governments, and the private sector are emerging. Nevertheless, the current progress of First Nations Land Claims is very unhurried and seems to be deliberately painstaking.

The first paper by Ladner and Orsini, (2003) gives a detailed account, review and analysis of the First nations governance act. The paper reflects on the act and provides arguments supporting the fact that it is an example of a gentler, subtle form of colonialism that is still in practice today. It argues that although the government has well researched the problems affecting the first nations, it has not efficiently advocated the involvement of these people in their own welfare and improvement.

Canada is seen as a culture-embracing country, however when it comes to First Nations, Canada falls short. First Nations people face higher rates of unemployment, lower life expectancy, and have fewer high school graduates. These are only three of the many problems that First Nations people face. Although Canada has taken many positive steps toward ending the discrimination to First Nations people, there is and will always be room for improvement.

Truthfully, Canada has yet to come to terms with its Aboriginal heritage. Though steps are being made, our country still in a sense lacks the conviction to truly accept our Indigenous history. This essay will discuss the importance of three paramount pieces of Aboriginal history that we must come to terms with as Canadians in order to accept our Aboriginal heritage. Canada is struggling to come to terms with its Aboriginal history, and this essay will attempt to display what we need to understand in order to move forward and make progress. Canada is a melting pot of diversity, but our very earliest roots as a nation stand with the Aboriginal people. Therefore, it is clear that Canada needs to come to terms with its Aboriginal heritage.

Michael Asch, an anthropologist, has written a couple of books on First Nations Canadians and their location in the social and political hierarchy of Canada. Throughout his book, On Being Here to Stay, he makes many arguments and utilizes many cases and examples of the First Nations Canadians political and civil rights and examines the way the Canadian government has handled the task of placing the First Nations and aboriginal people into a western democracy and wester thought. Michael Asch explores the long road to amends with the sovereignty of Canada compared to the First Nations rights and the changes that occur.

After watching You Are On Indian Land, and reading the weekly readings for this critical discussion an obvious theme is repeatedly touched upon. That theme is, First Nations are not taken seriously by the Canadian government or Canada as a whole. It is seen time and time again that Canada and First Nation have never been on the same page. Whether it is about land, education, resources, etc. Canada and First Nations are always in a disagreement.

Originally, First Nations had Fared Well; however, since the European invasion they have been the victims of the Well Fare system. First Nations are gradually losing their traditional ways of living. We no longer gather roots and hunt for our sustenance. We have inevitably picked up the European ways; we have become victims of the Well Fare system. The Secwepemc people have existed in their current territory for 10,000 years and thrived through their own work and trading with other tribes. The Secwepemc were affluent enough to share with those that were in need and in turn received help when the Secwepemc were in need. We took only what was needed. As time goes on the Secwepemc people continue to become prosperous in European terms, collecting and hoarding more and more. The Secwepemc take part in the local economy in various ways. As a First Nations people we need to find our way back to our traditional roots and only then will we find ourselves in a Faring Well community.

Racism against First Nations began soon after European settlement in North America. Their contributions to the fur trade and their value as allies was important, but began to decline along with the positive views of Aboriginals by colonists. Once perceived as “noble savages” they became just “savages”. This change in perspective started with Christopher Columbus, who had initially viewed First Nations as generous and obedient. Columbus’ opinion changed when they began to resist the gifts of colonizations and progression. They quickly began being perceived as “cannibalistic savages”. As a result, they were deemed as radically, socially and culturally inferior. This allowed for the convenient excuse to take their land, take over labour and eventually their annihilation as people. Canada has a real race problem, its racism against Aboriginal people has become both a social and institutional epidemic. As a country, our progression

Not only are there major differences in worldviews between Indigenous people and European people, but also the lasting impacts of policy within Canada have had a major impact on First Nations people and the economy. According to MacKinnon (2000), “Canada’s history of colonial policies has left a legacy of damage and despair that has had a direct impact on the social and economic outcomes of Aboriginal people (sec. 1). Economic development has a huge impact on the community as a whole. It not only looks after the economy, it also looks at the overall wellbeing of the community members. Naturally, First Nations people are not going to

As First Nations fell away from our traditional roots of hunting and gathering, and have inevitably picked up the European ways we have become victims of the Well Fare system. Originally, First Nations had Fared Well; however since European invasion they have also been the victims of the Well Fare system. We as a First Nations people need to find our way back to our traditional roots and only then will we find ourselves in a Faring Well community.

Among the aboriginal population in 2005, 18.7% of individuals living with family were below the poverty line. Unattached, or single, individuals were even more likely to fall into this low-income bracket at 42.8%. Conversely, these rates among the non-aboriginal population were 8.4% and 28.0% respectively (Collin & Jensen, 2009). These numbers highlight the economic disparity Aboriginals face, the cause of which lies rooted in their historical mistreatment. To better understand the situation today and how it came to be, one must begin by looking at early Canadian policy involving Aboriginals.