First Nations and the Development of Canada
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First Nations and the Development of Canada
It is estimated that when the first Europeans arrived in North America there were roughly 500,000 people inhabiting the continent. Most of the people lived in smaller groups spread over large territory. Their way of life was adapted well for
the land and climate that they inhabited.
During the prolonged conflict between Britain and France and later United States for control of North America, the First Nations peoples of Canada were used as allies by the warring sides.
Various tribes were recruited to fight alongside the French and English. Their skills at tracking and combat certainly helped the British take control of Canada and prevent a U.S. takeover. Native peoples assisted white settlers with traditional medicines and farming and hunting techniques. They often provided food to the pioneers during difficult times. Native people aided the entrepreneurs in the fur trade by providing furs, helping the white colonialists map the landscape, and helping them to survive in the wilderness. They also provided the Canadian explorers with pemmican, fish, and berries.
During the prolonged conflict between Britain and France and later United States for control of North America, the First Nations peoples of Canada were used as allies by the warring sides.
Various tribes were recruited to fight alongside the French and English. Their skills at tracking and combat certainly helped the British take control of Canada and prevent a U.S. takeover. Native peoples assisted white settlers with traditional medicines and farming and hunting techniques. They often provided food to the pioneers during difficult times. Native people aided the entrepreneurs in the fur trade by providing furs, helping the white colonialists map the landscape, and helping them to survive in the wilderness. They also provided the Canadian explorers with pemmican, fish, and berries.
The Métis are one of Canada's Aboriginal peoples. A 2016 ruling by Canada's Supreme Court officially recognized their place within Canada. Métis were descendants of First Nations women and European fur traders. Initially the Métis children thought of
themselves as being part of their mothers' First Nations family. However, over time, they began to recognize themselves as a different culture.
Métis could speak a First Nations language as well as French and English, so they were comfortable in both European and First Nations cultures. As a result they became important intermediaries in the fur trade. Gradually they would establish settlements with their own land holding system and traditions. They would also create a new language called Michif.
While most of the initial meetings between Europeans and First Nations were positive, problems eventually emerged. Some tribes became extinct and others lost huge numbers. Cultural imperialism occurred because most newcomers to Canada believed the native people were primitive and should be civilized. To this end, they were taught English and French and made to attend school, many removed from their homes to attend residential schools. Later, First Nations children were taken from homes that were considered to be unacceptable, and were adopted into white families. The government of Canada adopted policies designed to assimilate First Nations into the fabric of Canadian society.
Métis could speak a First Nations language as well as French and English, so they were comfortable in both European and First Nations cultures. As a result they became important intermediaries in the fur trade. Gradually they would establish settlements with their own land holding system and traditions. They would also create a new language called Michif.
While most of the initial meetings between Europeans and First Nations were positive, problems eventually emerged. Some tribes became extinct and others lost huge numbers. Cultural imperialism occurred because most newcomers to Canada believed the native people were primitive and should be civilized. To this end, they were taught English and French and made to attend school, many removed from their homes to attend residential schools. Later, First Nations children were taken from homes that were considered to be unacceptable, and were adopted into white families. The government of Canada adopted policies designed to assimilate First Nations into the fabric of Canadian society.
