Repression and Resistance

The struggle that Aboriginal peoples have been engaged in can be understood by recounting the famous statement made in 1920 by Duncan Campbell Scott, poet, essayist and Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, that encapsulates the prevailing attitude of his day: 'Our object is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic, and there is no Indian question and no Indian department'. 

Aboriginal people have had to fight to maintain their cultural identity, sovereignty over traditional territories, and rights to full participation in Canada’s constitutional democracy. Since contact with European influences, Aboriginal people have had to resist or conform to the teachings and methods of Christian missionaries and their economic counterparts, the trading companies. What resulted was a loss of language, a loss of traditional rituals, ceremonies and traditions as well as a loss of political self-determination.

As expansion continued westward government policies were developed to further address the 'Indian Problem'. With the institution of the reserve system, residential schools, and the Indian Act, the government of the day essentially undermined the sovereignty of all Native peoples.

Despite these concerted efforts Aboriginal people have risen and continue to rise through such accomplishments as: 

  • The enshrinement of Aboriginal rights in the Canadian constitution.
  • Abolition of the residential school system and compensation for its victims.
  • Resolution of long-standing disputes over specific and comprehensive land claims.
  • Formation of Aboriginal education, health care and judicial systems.
While there have been many strides forward in the healing journey there is a renewed spirit of determination that guides Aboriginal people facing the challenges that remain.

Found in: Aboriginal Perspectives - National Film Board of Canada

Cody Zacharias - Chairman of National Aboriginal Caucus for the Canadian Federation of Students speaks to some of the issues currently being experienced by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. 

Published on May 14, 2016 What do we mean when we say Aboriginal or Indigenous communities? What are pow-wows and smudging ceremonies? What role did history play in the current relationship we have with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities? Joining me to discuss this, and much more is Coty Zachariah, Chairman of National Aboriginal Caucus for the Canadian Federation of Students. Quran Speaks - You Tube