Examples Of Indigenous Settler Relations

Indigenous Settler Relations: A Defining Theme for Canada

Canada is known to be a very diverse and welcoming country. The country offers several benefits such as free medical care, open education, and many job opportunities. These perks attract immigrants from all over the world. However, Canada didn’t always have welcoming arms to immigrants. Decades ago, the Canadian government was extremely racist against cultures that differed from the Canadian culture. With their power, they did everything possible to turn immigrants off from the country. However, there is a string of defining themes and moments that have changed their discriminative perspective. Examples include; The Indian Act, Residential Schools, and The League of Indians
One of the defining themes that have shaped Canada significantly is the Indian Act. The Indian Act was passed by the Parliament in 1876, allowing the government to have complete control over the lives of First Nations people. The Indian Act sparked violence between the newcomers and the First Nations because they wanted to keep the newcomers from taking over their land. As a result, the First Nations were put into small reserves, where a government-appointed Indian agent controlled and watched over their day-to-day activities. The Indian Act set strict rules that included taking away their rights and were not allowed to leave reserves without permission. The main goal of this act was to erase their culture and to assimilate them into the Canadian society, like a melting pot. Being Aboriginal meant that you
The result of these historical occurrences are only part of the reason that present day Canada is so multicultural and welcoming to immigrants from all around the world. The Indian Act, Residential Schools and the League of Indians of Canada are all significant events that have allowed the government to see a new side, and to understand that people of different cultures and ethnicities deserve the same rights as a white man. The government has acknowledged that First Nations peoples are native to their land, that they were here before us and that they are still here now. Even with all of the efforts that the Canadian government has presented to heal those affected by the horrors of the past, Aboriginals still face discrimination from parts of society on a daily basis. No amount of money nor words, will ever make up for the horrors that they have gone through but, it has shaped Canada to become a country that welcomes immigrants from all around the