Day 3 – Cultural Impact Unit 2: Aboriginal Spirituality

Cultural Impact Europeans first discovered the east coast of Canada in 1497, when explorer John Cabot claimed Newfoundland for England. The arrival of European traders, missionaries, soldiers and colonists changed the native way of life forever. Large numbers of Aboriginals died of European diseases to which they lacked immunity. For the first 200 years of coexistence, they formed strong economic, religious and military bonds. Aboriginal peoples exposed early explorers to new agricultural and survival techniques. Europeans provided new technologies (weapons and farming techniques).

Many Europeans considered their own ways “civilized” and Aboriginal ways “uncivilized.” Aboriginal peoples were expected to give up their ways. Reserves were created and land was set aside for specific First Nations peoples to use. In 1857, the Gradual Civilization Act was passed to assimilate Aboriginal peoples into European culture. In 1876, the Indian Act allowed the federal government to set up residential schools for Aboriginal children, which were run by Anglican, United, Presbyterian, and Catholic churches. In 1885, the potlatch ceremony was banned. In 1895, all Aboriginal ceremonies, dances, and festivals were banned. Many banned Aboriginal ceremonies continued in private, and the ban was officially lifted in 1951.

Residential Schools Mid 1800s, Canadian government funded residential school system for Aboriginals. Children aged 5-15 years old were removed from reserves and placed far from communities in boarding schools. Schools were run by Catholic, United, and Anglican religious orders.

Until 1960s, Aboriginal children were taught it was wrong to practice cultural ways. Severe punishment: Sticking needles in their tongues for speaking Aboriginal language Making boys wear dresses for contacting female relatives For failing a test - no food for a day; For not working hard enough - 4 hours of extra work (in school or garden); For disobedience, and rude or disorderly conduct - no food or water for a day, a beating (with a stick on the back), extra garden work; For going off by yourself (without another student present) - several hours of kneeling alone on a rock floor where all can see.

What did these children do there? They learned “useful” skills such as farming, carpentry and domestic skills. The purpose? To “teach” them white British skills instead of hunting and gathering.

Students were separated from parents and culture for years and taught to reject their traditions. The aim was to “civilize”, assimilate and educate the Aboriginal children into the British way of life.

Last residential school closed its door in Residential schools led to high rates of substance abuse and suicide. 1990s, youth began to reclaim their traditions.

OKA Standoff Land dispute between a group of First Nations of the Mohawk people and the town of Oka, Quebec. It began on July 11, 1990 and lasted until September

The town of Oka was developing plans to expand a golf course and residential development onto land which had traditionally been used by the Mohawk as a burial ground, marked by standing tombstones of their ancestors The Mohawk had filed a land claim for the sacred and burial ground, but their claim was rejected in 1986 Unfortunately, even though the land belonged to the Native, the town of Oka refused to acknowledge this and assumed it was theirs for the taking

Mohawks decided not to stand by – in protest, they constructed a barricade across a highway, blocking access to the area. Later they blocked a major bridge. Police forces were brought in as well as the Canadian Army with 4,500 soldiers with tanks, along with naval and air support. All throughout the summer of 1990, Oka was the top story in Canadian TV and media.

During standoff, Mohawks drummed and sang around sacred fire to gain strength Aboriginal spirituality was involved: “…We had medicine pouches that we wore around our necks: ashes from the sacred fire. The guns were nothing. We didn’t have enough ammunition to stand off the army for ten minutes.”

On September 26, the Mohawks dismantled their guns and threw them into a fire and walked back into the reserve Many were arrested The golf course expansion was cancelled

This was the event that prompted the Aboriginals to stand up for their rights as Canadians and as human beings This was a defining moment because it was one of the first Native Canadian issues that received international media attention The Aboriginals proved that they can stand up for what they believe in and they have a united, strong, fighting spirit. This was a stepping stone in the pathway to Aboriginal people being treated with equality, fairness and respect in Canada

Reconciliation 1995, Federal government acknowledged the inherent right of Canada’s aboriginal people to self-government. In 1996, the Canadian Government declared June 21 as National Aboriginal Day 1998, Canadian government acknowledged role in cultural and spiritual impact on Aboriginal cultures. Formally expressed profound regret and apology for past actions.

2005: government offered $2 billion in payments to victims of residential schools $125 million offered to fund a healing program to help deal with psychological issues "As a country, we are burdened by past actions that resulted in weakening the identity of Aboriginal Peoples, suppressing their languages and cultures, and outlawing spiritual practices."

Nunavut April 1, 1999, Canada established Nunavut. Self-government very important for Aboriginal groups to protect their heritage. Home to over (80-85% Inuit). Nunavut means “Our Land.” Canadian government pledged to respect traditions of Inuit.