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Post by stacey on Nov 29, 2010 10:52:23 GMT -5
As Canada developed as a country there were many laws put into place that changed the way society was developing. As a result many people were treated unfairly, everything from Woman in the work force to Indian rights. As we learned times were tough and Canada was very strict as to how they wanted to expand. In such a way as the Indians were trying to survive and thrive on their reserves, the desperate conditions made this very difficult. Why would we want to limit people from trying to expand, was the cost to expensive? Why were their traditional ceremonies banned, it seems to be an insult to their culture. I would like to know why times were so tough, and why people who were trying to develope land, had such a hard time doing this.
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Post by Mr. Delainey on Nov 30, 2010 11:54:41 GMT -5
Reserves were created as a way of giving First Nations people a place they could call their own and develop and control on their own. However, Indian agents from Ottawa made sure that people on reserves followed the policies that the government wanted them to.
In all honesty, I look at the creation of reserves (just an opinion by the way) as a form of institutional genocide. I'm not sure if these reserves served any other purpose than places where the populations of native peoples could be concentrated and controlled. I'm sure there are examples of some very good reservations, great places to live, etc. I don't know though. It seems these places are more the exception than the rule.
Also, the government banned the various ceremonies (Sun Dance, Potlach) I think because the Canadian Government wanted to assimilate the native peoples, i.e. Make them more like white Canadians--English speaking, Christian, etc. You can't assimilate someone if they continue to have a connection to their traditions.
What is remarkable is that the First Nations never truly assimilated despite residential schools and oppressive government policies. In fact, assimilation NEVER works. People are too proud and resillient.
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