1. Aboriginal Stereotypes
And How to Counter Them

2. Stereotypes of Ignoring
Non-Existance
The Maya: mysterious-circumstances
Cultures that have disappeared: Eg. The Beothuk

3. Racism as a thing of the Past

4. Negative Stereotypes Treaties and Special Treatment Free Education
Treaty money
How long will treaties last?
as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow
Validity of the Treaties

5. Taxes
Non-Status and Métis pay the same as anyone else
For status, Under Indian Act Section 87, the following are exempt:
Property on Reserve
Employment income on or connected to reserve
GST for purchases on reserve or delivered to reserve
HST when a status card is presented (Ontario)
Reserves
Less than half – of 1,172,179 in 2006, only 229,970 live on reserve.

6. Substance Abuse
Not an Aboriginal Issue – this is a poverty issue.
Particularly dangerous stereotype. Eg. Brian Sinclair: during-er-wait-hospital/

7. Aboriginal people and employment
Aboriginal employment is going up, as is small business ownership
‘Real Aboriginal People’ are successful in every sector
Issues arise due to Societal factors, racism, and community remoteness

8. Positive and Neutral Stereotypes
The stoic: The weeping environmentalist: The child/trusty sidekick: The Noble Savage: (24:10) The Losers of the Game/the Victims:

9. Aboriginal Culture in Symbols/Mascots
Why is this OK….

10. Avoiding Cultural Appropriation
Never dress, act, or do activities that reduce a group into a caricature or stereotype. If it’s not accurate and respectful, it’s not OK.

11. Avoiding Cultural Appropriation
Don’t misuse anything of deep religious significance or cultural meaning, even if you don’t understand exactly why.

12. Avoiding Cultural Appropriation
Ask yourself: would the group in question be offended? Take history into account, and show empathy.

13. Avoiding Cultural Appropriation
That doesn’t mean it’s not OK to show interest. Just do your research and act with empathy.

14. What to do?
How can we counter stereotypes in the education system?

15. Post-Colonial Racism Biological Fact or Cultural Invention?
Determines how we are treated and treat others
Nobody should ever feel ashamed of their heritage
Post-Colonial Racism
Regulating representation of ‘self’ and ‘other’
What representations do we see in books? Movies?
What do we include/leave out?
Who do we centre on/marginalize?
How does that impact on power?
Read “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

16. Critical Race Theory Look at:
Race, Racism, and other forms of subordination
Challenging dominant ideologies
Eliminating racial oppression along with other forms of oppression
Value and inclusion of diverse ways of thinking
Looking at the experiences of people of colour
Challenging the notion of ‘colour blindness’
Interest convergence – what can the dominant group give to satisfy demands without really changing things?
Education as anti-racism vs. Education for reproducing inequalities

17. Citizenship and multiculturalism
Full citizenship and cultural visibility
Inverse relationship
Multiculturalism: incorporating minority voices
Benefits for culture-connected Aboriginal students
Returning culture to disconnected Aboriginal people
Benefits for non-Aboriginal students
Aboriginal Knowledge
Aboriginal values
Making sense of policy
Moving beyond stereotypes

18. Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives
What aspects of Aboriginal Culture should/can be integrated? How can we integrate these elements? How do you expect integration to impact on academic achievement for on-reserve students? Urban Aboriginal students? Non-Aboriginal students? Students who are New Canadians? How do teachers feel about integrating Aboriginal perspectives?