Understanding Indigenous Identity

Indigenous people living in Canada are defined under the following three categories by the Canadian government: Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit. While enduring this video, a lot of emotions arise within me, with one being the thought that the government should not have the control to categorize anyone or aboriginal people. Indigenous people residing in Canada have faced name-calling and categorizing from Canadians for a very long time resulting in the dehumanization of Indigenous people. I remember when Danette stated that asking where an “Aboriginal Person” is from is a better way to identify someone else as you will understand many personal parts about their identity, such as their homeland and language(s) they may speak. These questions might seem like easy and navigating questions, which they are, but the questions are also a way to respectfully ask and understand one’s identity and a great way to get to know someone new. The Canadian society needs to alter its ways and offer assistance to Indigenous people rather than defining and categorizing them. For many years, Indigenous people have not been listened to by Canadians which has led to the planet we reside on and the people within the planet suffering extremely, and which will continue to suffer until we learn the ways Indigenous people used to properly care for the land we all reside on. One who is deeply connected to their identity is someone who’s connected with themselves and within their culture. Identity is someone that is growth and progress – a personal determination and a background from which one comes and makes them be them. Many situations may cause one to grow up in an environment that impacts them tremendously; an example is living in an abusive household, residential schools, families suffering from addiction, etc). Identity is key to one’s livelihood and wellbeing. Relating to current topics and issues with Aboriginal people living in Canada, I believe more Indigenous people are starting to speak out, especially speaking out on social media to gain a more widespread audience. I further believe more non-Indigenous people are becoming educated on the history of Indigenous people living in Canada and current issues surrounding Indigenous people that live within Canada.

References:

BearPaw Media and Education (2015).  Understanding Aboriginal Identity [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcSnbXmJ9V0