Historical and Contemporary Images of Aboriginal People in Canada

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Aboriginal peoples in Canada comprises of three nationally recognized groups, the First Nations and the Inuit, who were the first Aboriginal groups in Canada, and the Metis, who emerged after the settlement of Canada. According to a census in 2006, more than one million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person (AANDC, n.d.). Although there are historical preconceptions of aboriginal people in Canada, many indigenous people have adapted to contemporary societal principles as well as staying connected with their past heritage. First Nations people in the past have been stereotypes based upon old western films (cowboy vs. Indian) as well as the aggressive drunk, or obese and impoverished. Contemporary First Nations people challenge these stereotypes by being a present member in Canadian society. Inuit people of Northern Canada are commonly dressed in parkas, living in igloos, and traveling by sleigh and huskie. They are the newest group of aboriginal people to have had research and exploration on their culture, thus the Inuit people are starting to emerge from their past representations and stereotypes into important allies in the North. The newest group of aboriginal people in Canada are the Metis. There past has been a battle between European and Indigenous culture. They are seen as “half-breed” and shameful to both sides. Metis people in modern day Canada are developing as strong and proud people of their culture and heritage. For non-aboriginal people it is hard to understand how to address aboriginals in Canada since there are many variations. In post-colonization periods, “redskins” and the “french-sauvages” have been used as derogatory term when addressing them. Their history and culture/tradition/language is an extremely important aspect of their lives because it’s their spirituality and home (O’Malley, 2005). Their lifestyle and heritage

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