3.5 Redressing the Wrongs
3.5 Redressing the Wrongs
How Should Contemporary Society Respond to the Effects of Imperialism on Indigenous People?
Should we say, What's past is past, and there is nothing we can do about it, or should we as a nation try to make up for the actions of the past so all might move forward? The decision is ours. The Canadian government and governments around the world have responded by taking various actions to improve the lives of their citizens.
The focus question for this unit is about how we, today, should respond to the legacies of historical globalization. You have seen that both positive and negative results came from historical imperialism. Canada was created by historical globalization. Most Canadians celebrate diversity, political stability, and economic well-being as a consequence of the merging of many cultures and ideas. This blend of beliefs and strengths has created a great nation.
On the other hand, we cannot deny that many injustices occurred during this period of history, especially to Indigenous people. As a result, cultures have been marginalized, individuals have been mistreated, and many have suffered. This legacy continues with us to this very day.
Compassion is one motive for people to try to redress the mistakes of the past. If we care about our fellow Canadians, we might consider actions to make their lives better.
Pragmatism is that purely practical viewpoint that accepts that a nation benefits from its citizens sharing the advantages; no nation benefits from a large group of disadvantaged citizens. Obviously, people who been mistreated and have lost their way do not contribute to their own well-being or the well-being of the nation.
Responding to Indigenous Issues
About 6% of the world's population is Indigenous. They are faced with many challenges and concerns about both their status and their relationships with the dominant culture, including the preservation of their cultures and languages, land rights, control of natural resources, self-determination, poverty, health, and racism. Because these issues are widespread and affect people everywhere, the United Nations drafted a resolution to establish a position on this issue. A United Nations resolution is an international statement providing a direction to other governments around the world. It is not legally binding, but it does establish some kind of standard for nations to follow.
Nigel Hicks/National Geographic Stock
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Affirming that Indigenous peoples are equal in dignity and rights to all other peoples while recognizing the right of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different, and to be respected as such,
Affirming also that all peoples contribute to the diversity and richness of civilizations and cultures, which constitute the common heritage of humankind,
Affirming further that all doctrines, policies, and practices based on or advocating superiority of peoples or individuals on the basis of national origin, racial, religious, ethnic, or cultural differences are racist, scientifically false, legally invalid, morally condemnable, and socially unjust,
Reaffirming also that Indigenous peoples in the exercise of their rights should be free from discrimination of any kind,
Concerned that Indigenous peoples have been deprived of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, resulting, Inter alia, in their colonization and dispossession of their lands, territories and resources, thus preventing them from exercising in particular their right to development in accordance with their own needs and interests,
Recognizing the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent rights and characteristics of Indigenous peoples, especially their rights to their lands, territories, and resources, which derive from their political, economic, and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual traditions, histories, and philosophies,
Welcoming the fact that Indigenous peoples are organizing themselves for political, economic, social, and cultural enhancement and to bring an end to all forms of discrimination and oppression wherever they occur,
Concerned that control by Indigenous peoples over developments affecting them and their lands, territories, and resources will enable them to maintain and strengthen their institutions, cultures, and traditions, and to promote their development in accordance with their aspirations and needs,
Recognizing also that respect for Indigenous knowledge, cultures, and traditional practices contributes to sustainable and equitable development and proper management of the environment.