First Nations culture

residential schools was to isolate Aboriginal children from their families and assimilate them into the dominant culture (First Nations Study Program, 2009). As the history of the residential school system unfolds it becomes evident that the Canadian Government attempted to eradicate the Aboriginals culture and lifestyle. The residential school system was a devastating crime against Aboriginal cultures and has had lasting and debilitating effects on their populations. The residential schools were a wide

On June 21st, First Nations all around Canada celebrated in happiness. With parades involving cultural dances, festivals, and food. This was to celebrate National Aboriginal Day. To honor the heritage and achievements of the First Nations culture. As Canada 150th neared, many wondered what was worth celebrating. Judith Sayers, a former chief of the Hupacasath First Nation shares her opinion: “Many people in my community are choosing to ignore this holiday. We don’t want to celebrate a country that

Generational gaps exist amongst all cultures. Some however, are more detrimental than others. In Thomas King’s Borders, the young boy and his sister when compared to their mother reveals a striking example of not only a generational gap, but a cultural gap between newer generations of First Nations Peoples and their parents. Borders clearly emphasizes the influence that Western society and culture has on young Aboriginal Canadians not only in terms of tradition, but Aboriginal identity as well.

the last 150 - 200 years is that First Nations people are not in control of their own destiny. It’s this crushing Paternalism from the federal government telling First Nations peoples what to do.” Hayden King, Political Science Lecturer, McMaster University. Source: CBC news: Sunday, debate with Jonathan Kay of the National Post Conservative ideologies, at

This also ties into history and biography. The First Nation youth suicide is a public issues, which is noticed by the children’s advocate of Saskatchewan (Corey O'Soup) and Professor Chris Lalande of Victoria. The youths who commit suicide did not take their own life because of their personal troubles,

ultimately devastated the First Nation culture (Florence 37). The Canadian Government saw relations with Aboriginal people as the “Indian Problem” and they wanted to get rid of the First Nation people’s culture, identity and individual nations. In the 1880s the Government began to establish and operate a system of residential schools which were a central element to their policy. The intent was the assimilation of Aboriginal children into the working classes of Euro-Canadian culture. The children were forced

Ever since the British and French came to Canada, the first nations people have always seen themselves get the short end of the stick. Examples of this are: having their land taken away from them, receiving racial discrimination, being victim to Residential schools and being assigned a reservation to live on. For the last two centuries our Canadian government has been trying to make amends to these First Nations People. One of these amends to status indians are: No Taxes on any funds inside of a

INTRODUCTION The First Nations children were greatly affected by the residential schools, as it left them physically and emotionally damaged from the trauma of being isolated from their families and cultural values; being abused (physically, verbally and sexually) while also being discriminated against, which had lasting effects. Although there were many other tribes who were also neglected, such as the metis and the units, my focus will be on the First Nations boys and girls who were affected

To many, Northwestern First Nations art appears primitive and simple, however, that understanding is narrow-minded and incorrect. In fact, First Nations art is powerful, bold, creative, and a tool to pass on the traditions, customs, legends, and histories of the First Nations people. Art is not just an abstract idea but is ingrained into their way of life. From baskets woven so tightly that the stitches look almost invisible, to beautifully crafted carvings and totem poles, all Northwestern indigenous

altered and it’s very symbolic to the first nation’s people. The following is a picture of the medicine wheel; The medicine wheel, otherwise known as sacred hope is a symbol of the indigenous North American culture