natives
Natives, or Aboriginals, in
Canada are commonly referred to as the first peoples. These first
tribes and communities are with whom European
explorers were met, upon their arrival in the new land. These natives soon
became an advantageous addition to any European beaver fur businessman, who wished
to maximise their profits; through the use of local techniques and hunting methods.
Natives have for a long time rejected the European Canada that had been forced upon them, which is an understandable situation. Their lands were stolen from them, many were forced to the northern territories, away from the developing European-Canadian cities. Professor Will Kymlicka argues that even today, many ‘Aboriginal leaders have…viewed multiculturalism with suspicion’[1]. Kymlicka also suggests that ‘while Aboriginal peoples are not counted as visible minorities, they clearly are victims of racism’29. It was not until recently that natives were given a political voice through a democratic assembly. Previously many were treated extremely badly by the Canadian government, with the children of past natives being forced into boarding schools; for which the government recently apologised, on state television. But today some of the wounds are beginning to heal, now with their own assembly and finding a natural voice through native art; which has become a prized edition to Canadian culture. Unity among natives and European Canadians might just be approaching a conclusion; after reconciliation has been achieved between these two ethnic groups. It is already evident that a great number of natives have seen the positives of modern day Canada and have embraced it by moving to the cities in the south.
Natives have for a long time rejected the European Canada that had been forced upon them, which is an understandable situation. Their lands were stolen from them, many were forced to the northern territories, away from the developing European-Canadian cities. Professor Will Kymlicka argues that even today, many ‘Aboriginal leaders have…viewed multiculturalism with suspicion’[1]. Kymlicka also suggests that ‘while Aboriginal peoples are not counted as visible minorities, they clearly are victims of racism’29. It was not until recently that natives were given a political voice through a democratic assembly. Previously many were treated extremely badly by the Canadian government, with the children of past natives being forced into boarding schools; for which the government recently apologised, on state television. But today some of the wounds are beginning to heal, now with their own assembly and finding a natural voice through native art; which has become a prized edition to Canadian culture. Unity among natives and European Canadians might just be approaching a conclusion; after reconciliation has been achieved between these two ethnic groups. It is already evident that a great number of natives have seen the positives of modern day Canada and have embraced it by moving to the cities in the south.
'June 11, 2008 - Prime Minister Harper offered Canada's aboriginal peoples an official apology for the government's involvement in the Indian residential school system and its ongoing policy of forced assimilation.
Opposition leaders also offered their apologies during a special sitting of the House of Commons.
Aboriginal leaders were welcomed onto the House floor to respond to the apology.'
Opposition leaders also offered their apologies during a special sitting of the House of Commons.
Aboriginal leaders were welcomed onto the House floor to respond to the apology.'
[1] Prof. Will Kymlicka, The current state of Multiculturalism in Canada and research themes on Canadian Multiculturalism 2008-2010, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2010, p20.