They often involved the outlawing of traditional social systems, values and spiritual beliefs. Whether these policies were misguided humanitarianism or malicious attempts to wipe out the Indian way of life, the effects of these policies were devastating. The undermining of beliefs and ceremonies meant that Aboriginal people could not practice many of the healing methods that had been so important to their well-being. Being Indian was often times illegal, frowned upon, but worst of all, something to be ashamed of. Being part of mainstream Canadian society was something to aspire to.
In addition, the States had socially influenced Canada greatly, in terms of culture. Canada did gain some political independence, hampered by the fact that Canada depended on the United States for much of its social and economic success. Canada’s prime minister, Mackenzie King, did not follow the regular rules set by Britain. Instead he refused to send Canadian troops with Britain to invade Turkey in 1922. (Cranny p.55) Normally, when Britain went to war, Canada would automatically be at war as well, but King took a big step in not following orders from the mother country.
Many Samuel Laselva suggests that many aboriginals believe that justice for them can be achieved only through a significant measure of self government, which the charter does not recognize explicitly (Laselva 7). Therefore, The Aboriginals criticize the democratic credentials of a society that has failed them; they also demand more democracy for themselves. They demand self-government so as to restore their dignity and to revitalize their communities (10). By achieving community goals it affects the rest of society because they are part of the larger community. Treaty federalism does not only legitimize the Aboriginal order of government, but also requires cooperation and communication between the Aboriginal communities
Clearly, Columbus should have empathized with the Native Americans by respecting their values and negotiating through fair trade rather than violence and deceit. This relates to Robert McNamara’s first lesson because Columbus failed to empathize with Native Americans and their unique values. ii. The Whisky Rebellion: In the early 1790s westerners in the United States rebelled against Alexander Hamilton’s excise tax on whisky. Westerners viewed this tax as unfair because whisky often served as a medium of exchange and because the tax would make western farmers who were forced to distill their grain into whisky for portability reasons less competitive with eastern grain
Conflict theorists would argue that this was a selfish act due to a power struggle. The Europeans were the dominant group who were power hungry and wanted more land; they did not consider the needs of the aboriginals and how these resources were needed for survival. In order to achieve their goal, the Europeans acted in a way that relates to the second principle of conflict theory. They created residential schools with the objective of applying their social values and culture to the aboriginal children by removing their existing culture that had a negative effect on them. The government attempted to have a dominant race and remove any diversity.
A variety of social problems in Aboriginal communities which are the continued result of a legacy of colonialism, as well as of more contemporary socioeconomic issues, continue to be the driving forces behind a movement for Aboriginal self-government. In order for self-government to be an effective method of addressing socioeconomic problems facing the contemporary general Aboriginal community, action by or treaties with the federal, provincial or territorial governments may sometimes be beneficial, but they cannot be relied upon. The federal and provincial governments have been ineffective, overall, in the resolution of socioeconomic problems which are the central legacy of colonialism. A solution to Aboriginals’ socioeconomic problems, therefore, must involve Aboriginal institutions of self-government strong enough to address these legacies of colonialism in a partnership, but not subordinate or dependent relationship, with the Canadian government. The majority of First Nations bands, or small communities, and reserves are still subject to the Federal government’s “Indian Act”, which keeps the balance of power shifted to a great extent in favour of the Federal government.
There were circumstances existing within the Dominion which lead leaders to push for confederation. First of all, in 1865, United States cancelled the “Canadian/ American Reciprocity Treaty”, the free trade agreement which allowed goods to move between Eastern Canada and U.S.A. This meant that Eastern Canada would have to look for new places to ship their goods. A union of all of Canada could become this route of trade. Secondly, in the Province of Canada, the government had difficulty reaching agreement, because there was no party that could have majority support.
The reason behind the doubts of these governments being corrupted is the amounts of money that have been spent by the Canadian government to help aboriginal communities without any positive effects on the life quality of the aboriginals communities. An example
Based on the above, it is evident that only Europeans benefited from contact in North America. When the French and the English landed on the shores of the New World, they were introduced to an environment far different to the surroundings in which they were accustomed. Harsh winters and untamed wilderness were key facets in the foreign terrain of North America. Fortunately, for Europeans, there were many communities of men and women who adapted and even thrived in this unfamiliar environment. These men and women would share their skills and knowledge with their European brothers and because of that, Europeans themselves would eventually learn how to survive in the harsh North American climate.
It states that every citizen is able to express their own culture in this country; but that doesn’t necessarily make it multicultural. Canada’s multiculturalism could be questioned as an ideology, based on the unfair treatment of minority groups. Aboriginals, who originated in Canada, have a unique and fascinating history that is completely neglected today. There is an obvious uneven socio-economic division of success, giving the typical Caucasian, European Canadian the upper hand. Also, there is a significant relationship between multiculturalism and anti-racism.