non-indigenous and indigenous people in Canada
After studying statistics on the disparities between the non-indigenous and indigenous people in Canada, I realized that the indigenous people are more exposed to poor health than non-indigenous people. The number of people who are recorded to be suffering from chronic diseases like heart problems and diabetes is the indigenous people. The indigenous people also have housing problems and live in crowded areas. The indigenous people, when compared to the non-indigenous people, have a high number of unemployed people, and the few who have secured employment, receive low income compared to the non-indigenous people.
I also learned that according to the current education, the first nations control the education system and the control the educational policies, which leads to the succession of the first nation students. I also learned the importance of culture and language in the development of the education of the first nation’s students.
The residential schools, during the colonial period, were constructed to isolate kids from the influence of their culture, traditions, and family members. The idea of setting up the schools was based on the assumption that the Aboriginal culture was inferior. The schools were constructed to kill the Indian culture in the children. The residential schools run in operation between 1880 to the 20th century. Children attending residential schools were heavily punished, and others abused, sexually, emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
The image of Canada is challenged because, from the historical review, the colonial government never respected human rights. The Aboriginals were not allowed to practice their culture and pass it to the next generation. We also find how the students administered in the residential schools suffered from mistreatment. The history of Canada counters the ability of individuals to enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and freedom.