Cultural Contact

Cultural Contact Prior to contact between the First Nations people of Canada and the European explorers, both nations were living in very different Worlds Cultural Contact: Interaction of diverse cultures and perspectives, which may result in changes in values, beliefs and traditions.

European World Many powerful nations were competing for economic and military supremacy Motivated by Power and wealth Eager to claim lands in name of Monarch Spread Christian faith and values

First Nations World Many nations across Americas Differing in language, governments, spiritual beliefs Long standing alliances and rivalries Similar philosophies Lived in harmony with nature, shared land

The Grand Exchange Transfer of animals, plants, culture, human populations, diseases, technology and ideas between European explorers and the Aboriginal Peoples.

Legacies and patterns of historical change Displacement – the involuntary dispersal of a people, from their homeland. Ex – Indigenous people were forces off land for colonizers wanted for settlements, railways and plantations. Depopulation – the reduction of a population because of conflict, disease, loss of resources, cultural change, or assimilation Migration: Many people moving from the home country of a European empire to one of its colonies (or from colony to colony). Ex – fleeing famine or conflict, or in search of a better life.

Possible results of contact Cultural Genocide – an act committed with the intent to destroy the cultural practices of a group of people Genocide – an act committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group