In response to Dave Merritt’s letter (Gazette, Jan. 25): It is wonderful to stand as proud Canadians, however, to truly be proud, we must be honest. Canada has an unreconciled history with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples that is riddled with violence and oppression. Consider the following:
Beginning in 1885, for over 60 years, indigenous peoples were segregated from white settlers and required a pass to leave reserves. This pass system inspired South Africa’s apartheid pass. See the film, The Pass System, for more information.
It was not until 1960 that First Nations peoples were legally able to vote in federal elections without losing their Indian status. Alberta’s provincial voting regulations did not change until 1965.
“From 1927 to 1951, the Indian Act prohibited the use of band funds to sue the federal government. First Nations’ claims that Canada had not fulfilled its obligations under treaties and the Indian Act, therefore, were largely ignored.” (http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/specific-claims/) This is in a country that claims to be governed by the rule of law.
The Indian Act enfranchised First Nations peoples (deemed them to no longer be Indians) if they were to attend university, removed existing governing practices, renamed individuals with European names, prohibited freedom of religion, prohibited traditional clothing from being worn, and forbade the speaking of native languages (http://www.ictinc.ca/blog/21-things-you-may-not-have-known-about-the-indian-act-). This is what Justice Murray Sinclair refers to when, as a Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he declared that Canada has a history of cultural genocide against indigenous peoples. The Indian Act continues to govern First Nations peoples and is the only legislation that exists today in Canada that is based on race.
As we review Canada’s 150 years since Confederation, let us reconsider what has taken place. We have much ground to gain to more fully consider the needs, rights, and dignity of many in this land. The colonization of Canada was not with best efforts in mind, it was founded on the premise of terra nullius, which means that it was nobody’s land. This simply was not the case and was made possible because indigenous peoples were not considered human. It also violates international law. Indigenous peoples’ continued resistance to the Canadian-state has been evident in the Idle No More movement that began in 2012. True reconciliation with indigenous peoples requires a fundamental shift in our understanding of who we are as Canadians.
Jarod and Avery Letendre, St. Albert
