21 June is celebrated as the National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. It is an occasion in which Indigenous people celebrate their culture in Canada. Although immigrants frequently come to Canada who doesn’t know much about Indigenous p people, a recent survey by the Environics institute shows that immigrants generally want to support them and learn a way to do so is through learning.
As white European settlers captured the land which is known as North America now, the negative history of people of Indigenous has been spread in the media, leading to detrimental stereotypes. Canadians and immigrants are alike may be by these narratives.
Canada is now in the midst of looking for a resolution to its violent crime against the people of Indigenous. The government of Canada’s efforts to eradicate the Indigenous culture guided the truth and settlement commission, which made the recommendation on how Canada can coordinate with the people of Indigenous.
A survey by the Environics Institute shows that despite the lack of contact with the Indigenous people, mostly immigrants are supporters of reconciliation.
The survey result says this is reassuring in the context of the reconciliation process- the existence of so many migrants in a society of Canada is not in itself a deterrent to progress on reconciliation. When newcomers come here, they engage with Canadian issues and feel some responsibility to help move things along.
However, the paucity of knowledge suggests that newcomers to Canada still lack information about people of Indigenous. In this article, we go over a brief history of European colonization in Canada and provide recourses for learning more.
The variation of terms
Whenever we are talking about people of Indigenous in Canada, we are speaking about the collective name of the native people of North America. In Canada alone, over 1.6 million people identify as indigenous. Therefore, it is important to remember that being indigenous is not a single experience, but a collection of many experiences unique to each nation, group, community, family, and individual.
The Canadian government recognizes three broad groups of indigenous peoples: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Each group represents a diversity of cultures, histories, and ethnicities. First Nations refers to people who belong to more than 630 communities across the country, representing more than 50 countries and languages. Inuit refers to the collective cultures of the peoples of the Arctic. Metis refers to the diverse cultures of peoples who were descendants of European and indigenous confederations.
When the word “Indian” is used to describe the indigenous people, it is derived from the European explorer Christopher Columbus, who incorrectly thought he had reached India in 1492. It is still used in Canadian law today, although it is considered offensive, especially when non-Indigenous people use it to describe indigenous peoples.
Information about the history of colonization in Canada
Prior North America was “North America”, many groups of indigenous called it Turtle Island. The indigenous people had their own system of government, laws, and traditions. They had differing philosophies concerning resource use and land management, which clashed with the European settler approach to Canada.
The Indian Act was formed after Canada officially became a country in 1867. The law, which is still in effect today, has been called abuse of human rights by international organizations such as Amnesty International, the United Nations, and the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
As per the Indian Act, the government of Canada enacted legislation that worked to eradicate the culture of indigenous. This allowed Canada to impose a different form of government on First Nations called “bands”, and the Canadian government defines who can be a member of the band. Nowadays, many brands have a selected council and selected chiefs, although traditionally some leadership of First Nation was passed down through the family. Hereditary leadership still exists, and some bands have both hereditary and elected leaders. Some First Nations also have self-government agreements, which allow them to raise money through taxation to legislate, create economic opportunities, and distribute programs.
Every child of indigenous is called to attend a residential school by the Indian Act which also made it against the law for them to attend any other educational institution. As such, indigenous children were stolen from their parents and faced horrific abuse. In 1996 the last residential school closed. However, the contusion and damage due to these institutions continue to affect the people of indigenous today. In 2021, the rest of the 215 children were found in Kamloops, British Columbia near a former residential school. The findings sparked a national discussion on reconciliation in Canada.
Indigenous peoples are still fighting colonialism, racism, and cultural appropriation today. Although the government has shown interest in truth and reconciliation, the fact remains that people still suffer under existing laws that continue to persecute indigenous peoples.
Despite the ongoing conflict, indigenous peoples are restoring their cultures, and languages and raising children to be proud of their identity. There are many Indigenous-led festivals and events that welcome non-Indigenous people to participate, as well as cultural and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
More resources for migrants who want to know more about Indigenous People in Canada
Indigenous art, music, and learning resources are available online for all, anywhere.
APTN is a cable network that provides indigenous TV shows, news, and movies for children and adults. You can also stream their programs online.
If you are already in Canada, there may be a Friendship Center in your community that provides culturally appropriate services to Indigenous peoples, and organizes events that connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Povo is a cultural event where you will get to experience indigenous music, dance, regalia, food, and crafts.
Common information
Indigenous People Atlas of Canada
This interactive magazine features articles and stories about the people of Indigenous in Canada.
Indigenous Canada
It is a free online course provided by the University of Alberta which is presented in a video series. It gives you a complete guide to the culture, people, and history of Indigenous.
Crown-Indigenous Relation and Northern Affairs Canada
It is a website of the Canadian government for one of the departments of government that is responsible for policies related to people of Indigenous.
The Indian Act
Information about the Indian Act, its history, and its controversy by the University of British Columbia.
Studies on Indigenous and migrant relations
Indigenous Perspective of Immigration Policy in a Settler Country
A 2022 paper that explores Indigenous perspectives on immigration explains Indigenous versus Western concepts of land ownership and open border versus borderless philosophies.
The Relationship Between Racial Immigrants and Indigenous Peoples in Canada: A Literature Review
A 2012 Master’s thesis by Melissa May Ling Chung, incorporates her experience as an Indigenous-Asian woman growing up in Canada, in a discussion on immigrant and Indigenous relations.
Vancouver Dialogue: First Nations, Urban Aboriginal, and Immigrant Communities
A 2011 project where immigrant and indigenous participants shared stories, experiences, and perspectives with each other.
