For decades First Nations populations have struggled for the Canadian government to follow many of the treaties currently in place. A critical treaty entitled the Peace and Friendship Treaty # 3 was suppose to enable a protection from harm to the indigenous populations. History tends to repeat itself and this occurred once again. The government has not only been unpredictable with agreements, they also continue to treat the indigenous people as second class citizens.
The speaker, Alex Hundert was a fascinating speaker who was able to give first hand knowledge of the issues within Grassy Narrows. I found it interesting that he referred to race when speaking on the issue of Native rights. When he spoke of his experience being acculturated into society, I was slightly surprised that the community was extremely welcoming. Due to my lack of knowledge on the issue in Grassy Narrows, his experience was well accepted and refreshing.
Grassy Narrows has been relocated consistently, while being constantly mislead by the Canadian government. Due to massive amounts of clear cutting the indigenous populations have had to restore their lifestyles to the changing environment. They constant pursuit to preserve their land is united to accomplish liberty from colonization. As time continued it is unforgettable that the indigenous populations land becomes smaller as colonization grows. It is not only their lands that are in danger; it is also their way of life that is severely impacted. As mentioned by Alex, many of the Grassy Narrows populations continue to survive off the land, with great environmental changed, their livelihood becomes compromised. It is unbelievable that only recently; First Nation’s people have received any type of apology from Canada’s current Prime Minister Stephen Harper. As witnessed in the past, the native populations of Canada are a united front that must be recognized as a vital aspect of Canada’s history and future.
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I think that the discussion by Alex provided a more clear incite to the problems that do truly exist in this era of marginalization. When they speak out, they are portrayed through the media as the enemies. This is because the corporations are protecting themselves, in owning the media, and releasing information that makes them look like the victims.I think that we need to realize that their cultures go back to the beginnings of exploration and discovery of our nation.Why are we still trying to destroy what we are, who we are presented by and the past that characterizes who we are today?
ReplyDeleteI do agree that Alex provided an incite to the marginalization of the area. Corporations are always looking to protect their own interests and the interests of their investors. I agree that we need to realize our past, however I am unsure to how this would be done? I don't think we are trying to destroy who we are, it is just how the capitalist system works. Do you think the past charactertizes who we are today?
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