Proposal on the Impact of Marginalization on the Metis in Canada

Proposal on the Impact of Marginalization on the Metis in Canada

Proposal

The proposal aims to delve on the effects of marginalization of the Metis people in Canada. The Metis, Inuit and the native Indians are known as the Aboriginal groups in Canada. The choice of the topic is of great concern to me since the Metis, just like other First Nations people, have borne cruel acts of marginalization which is characterized by labelling and constant repressive laws by the Canadian authorities for decades.

The study focuses on the Metis people who form the part of the aboriginal groups in Canada. The Metis people of Canada arose from the mixed relationship between the French and the White settlers who were dealing in the fur trade. The Metis live along the Red River and at the Southbranch settlements in Canada (Archambault, 2006). Their area of inhabitant is known to most people in Canada though currently, they have spread across various areas around Canada.

Through the course and specifically the research and assignment, I intend to develop a broad view of the magnitude of the marginalization these groups were subjected. However, by delving into the topic, I intend to expand my knowledge and effectively articulate my thoughts clearly based on the research I have conducted. Therefore, the topic will not only help in understanding the historical contexts of such acts but also let me articulate my thoughts in a more acceptable and informed manner.

Outline

Introduction

• The Metis people have received unfair treatments from the government for several years owing to their perceived minority group.
• The retrogressive laws, brutal treatment during colonization and the labelling instances are typical part and parcel of the Metis people.
• Until recently, the Metis people lived in marginalized society with less development and unresolved historical injustices meted against them by the native communities the Canadian government.

Body

1. Marginalization of the Metis manifests itself through discrimination.

• Until the past 60 years, laws that were passed by the Canadian government took into no account the cultural and traditional aspects of the Metis.
• The individuals were blatantly discriminated against and their land taken away by the government (Retzlaff, 2005).
• The recent ruling by the Canadian Supreme Court classified as Aboriginal groups and enjoying rights like those of native Indians.

2. Labelling the Metis as savages worsened the marginalization further

• Just like other native groups in Canada, the Metis resisted government policies for long, prompting them to be labelled as savages.
• The tag savages severely affected their integration in the society and isolated the further (Retzlaff, 2005).

3. Development of important aspects among the Metis is stunted.

• Until recently, the Metis people have little development owing to their prolonged resistance against the government policies.
• The school going children face blatant discrimination, slowing down their intellectual development (Retzlaff, 2010).

Conclusion

• The marginalization of the Metis people is characterized by discrimination, lack of development, and labelling as savages.
• The marginalization has adversely affected their holistic development.

References

Archambault, J. (2006). Native views of origins. Handbook of North America Indians, 3, 4-15.

Retzlaff, S. (2005). What’s in a name? The politics of labelling and Native identity constructions. The Canadian Journal of Native Studies, 25(2), 609-626.