The fundamental cultural difference between traditional indigenous people and Europeans is that of land ownership. In the 1800's it was relatively easy for European authorities to convince the indigenous people to reside in a designated area. The Native view of ownership was based on territorial collectivity and not private ownership. This misunderstanding on the part of the Native population helped Europeans subvert indigenous culture to suit their own cultural needs.
The solution to indigenous revitalization and integration today will no doubt come from a novel rethinking of land reform. In this respect eradicating social isolation needs to be the primary goal.
Considering the “Indian Act”, I am probably the least qualified to offer advice to our status cousins who live on the reserve system. Something I was reminded of by a young logger from the Shakan band in Merritt British Columbia in 1967. But, there are some undeniable facts that cannot be avoided:
Firstly, anything that promotes a separation of people from normal Canadian society is viewed by the society as “different” and subject to possible irrational subjectification. This was true in the 1800's and still true today. The Indian Act from my view was not created to assimilate people but, in fact, separate people who were not only culturally different but, at that time, to keep them away from settlers—the very people who complained to authorities and regarded most indigenous people a nuisance.
Secondly, the cost of cultural separation is high. It promotes discrimination and affects individual esteem and identity in those who are segregated, not to mention a substantial economic cost to Canadian tax payers. In my view nothing good can ever come out of cultural isolation.
Thirdly, financial support of the “Indian Act”has produced only limited self sufficiency among First Nation bands. The cost is escalating and on going.
And fourthly, land for Indians is not owned by Indians and is therefore not an asset that can be easily leveraged to create wealth. This is still the reality in the Canadian reserve system.
So what can we do as Indian people to share our common assets and benefits without isolating ourselves from Canadian society? This question need not be too complicated. In a nutshell we must passionately pursue self government both parallel and within local municipalities. We must also begin to acquire a diverse territory of open land, multi-family residences, and private cashflow enterprises (including farming)----all within the society that we now reside in.
How can we begin this process? It could begin with an investment from each Indian citizen. Pride and ownership cannot be truly appreciated or successful without a financial and physical commitment. To rely on special consideration from government will necessarily have strings attached and cause less incentive to do more than maintaining this kind of relationship –if it is not already the case..
Alternatively, we simply maintain our memberships and do nothing more while waiting for a final reconciliation—possibly generations away and maybe with far less satisfaction than taking the bull by the horns and paving our own way!
How important is your ancestral “Indian” heritage? Here’s your opportunity to state \ (anonymously) just how important your self identity is—
Complete the following survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9p85fFHbczh13Q30VIxNVRrqmM5IeZS4sSc16cOBkoCpUzg/viewform
Strong enough to FIGHT for it!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how little you know about Canadian history or the experiences.of Indigenous people. By the 1800's First Nations understood land ownership! Read the Indian affairs reports, there's a trust fund. Tax payers don't spend a cent on Indigenous people... land was sold and leased, royalties from natural resources all go into an Indian Trust Fund... And it wasn't easy to get indigenous people to live on reserves. Colonizers clear cut entire forests and the fur trade decimated animal populations.
ReplyDeleteThe only people in Canada segregated and subservient to colonial government whims to steal everything that belonged to First Nations, today given an artificial $ value -----against natural laws. Reservations were created to remove and monitor people off their land, not to assimilate or accommodate! This is a capital offense! Where's the proof that First Nations have any kind of permanent trust fund accumulated from land and resource use? I suspect that all monies have been used primarily to coerce compliance and little else! This illusive trust fund is certainly not openly disclosed by the government of Canada! The cost to most First Nation descendants evident in the 20th century was their true culture, independence and even their pride!
ReplyDelete