Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Respecting Canada's First Nations Peoples

For the past two weeks I've been writing about the land of Canada. As a "Lost Canadian" it matters to me for me to learn about this incredible country of which I am actually a citizen! Growing up in the USA, of course I learned a lot about this country, but I knew very little about Canada - even growing up in Michigan, which is very close to Canada. But now I have learned some very interesting information about the country of Canada by learning about its thirteen Provinces and Territories.

But there is much more for me to learn about Canada. So, I thought I'd look at the first peoples who lived in this land - the First Nations. I have learned . . . 

• There are over 630 recognized First Nations governments or bands in Canada, representing more than 50 distinct nations and languages. According to 2021 Census data, there are over 1 million First Nations people. 
• Highest concentrations are in British Columbia and Ontario.
• By 500 BCE–1000 CE, distinct cultures were established: Athapaskan/Tlingit (Northwest), Haida and Salish (Pacific Coast), Blackfoot and Cree (Plains), and Algonquin/Iroquois (Great Lakes).
• As in the USA, early contact in the 16th century with Europeans brought trading opportunities, but also diseases that significantly reduced Indigenous populations.
• First Nations peoples have been in North America tens of thousands of years, but there are indications that they settled and established trade routes across what is now Canada by 1000 BC.
• Indigenous peoples were essential to the early economy as trading partners, interpreters, and guides.
• First Nations were pivotal in early conflicts, notably protecting Canadian territories in the War of 1812.
• Also, as in the USA, from the 1700's on Native Peoples suffered at the hands of Europeans with broken treaties, restrictive laws, and residential schools for their children.
• However; unlike the USA, Canada has faced and is continuing to face their past and is working to address the trauma which has been caused and is focusing on land claims, self-governance, and treaty rights.
• June is dedicated to learning about and honoring the history and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
• Held on the summer solstice, June 21st celebrates the unique heritage and cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
• September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day in Canada - federal statutory holiday to honor survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.
• March 31st is National indigenous Language Day - focuses on the importance of preserving Indigenous languages.
• May 5th is Red Dress Day - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People.

So, where do things stand right now with First Nations Peoples and the government of Canada? I learned the following online - 

• The government is working to replace colonial, minister-led governance with Indigenous-led systems, negotiating new self-government agreements and implementing the 
  United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
  .
• Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes and affirms existing aboriginal and treaty rights. However, many First Nations still fight for formal recognition or land base.
• Despite progress, major challenges persist, including poverty on reserves, disproportionately high incarceration rates, and the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG).
• New legislation exists to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages and to affirm First Nations' jurisdiction over child and family services.
• While the federal government has recognized and affirmed rights under the 1982 Constitution, significant tensions remain over ongoing systemic racism, poverty, land rights, and the slow pace of reparations.

It looks like there is still much to be done to atone for the past, but it looks like Canada is trying to do so, and this makes me happy - it says a lot about Canada as a country for them to try to make right the wrongs of the past. The First Nations Peoples in Canada absolutely deserve the respect of the Canadian Government and people. You will find more information about Canada's Indigenous First Nations Peoples at this link.