Indigenous People Research Paper

Urbanization for indigenous people cannot be seen as emancipatory, but a display of polarization and confrontation. It can be argued that moving to urbanized areas is freeing from colonization and any negative associated representations, however, new issues arise from the move. These issues could be poor living conditions, unstable jobs, no health care and etc… In the US, the First Nations were relocated to urban spaces for work during 1950s. With limited government funding many lived in slum areas, moreover, they were unskilled and “could only find low-wage, insecure jobs” (Weaver, 2012, p.472). Mexico’s First Nations faces similar experience in terms of employment. This creates a problem that First Nations are unable to establish themselves
398). This identity will not allow emancipatory to happen for majority of indigenous people. The urban spaces are dominated by non-native populations; as such oppression and discrimination acts will happen from the viewpoint described. It is important to acknowledge the history which USA, Canada and Mexico have treated the native populations: USA’s relocation program, Canada’s residential schools and colonial segregation in Mexico. These programs and acts are harsh towards the first nations, forcing them to abandon their comfort identities and lifestyles. Many natives face identity issues like loss of native language, unable to be with nature and homesick. This is dominantly the case in USA and Canada, where travelling between city and reserves are common. The travel can maintain the connections to their roots, allowing “nurture and sustain cultural connections” (Weaver, 2012, p.476). Some natives in Canada were able to adapt to urbanization through abstract thinking of urban relationship of mother nature and the land. But majority of natives missed the hunting, the smudging and other tradition practices they do in the wild lands. As such, some moved from Toronto to Sudbury were tradition practices were not causing harm to