...ABORIGINAL ISSUES IN CANADA Teacher Name: Bob Gregory Student Name: Juan Carlos Bernal Student Number: 057638082 Date: Monday October 15th, 2012 References: Canada (1891). Indian treaties and surrenders, from 1680 to 1890 Volume I. Ottawa: Brown Chamberlin (Queen's Printer). URL: http://www.canadiana.org/ECO/ItemRecord/91942 Centre for Social Justice URL:http://www.socialjustice.org/index.php?page=aboriginal-issues Canadian Council on Social Development URL: http://www.ccsd.ca/cpsd/ccsd/c_ab.htm Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada URL: http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/ Assembly of First Nations URL: http://www.afn.ca/index.php/en The Indian Residential School Settlement URL:https://my.senecacollege.ca/bbcswebdav/courses/CAN275BA.GENH.20123/summary%20of%20court%20settlement.pdf Aboriginal Issues in Canada Many problems exists in aboriginal communities which include their living conditions, crime rates, suicide rates, lack of education and skill training, unemployment and other issues. The living conditions or quality of life for Aboriginals rank 63rd, or amongst Third World conditions. Health Canada states that as of May 2003, 12% of Aboriginal communities had to boil their drinking water and approximately 1/4 of water treatment systems on-reserve pose a high risk to human health. Almost 25% of Aboriginal water infrastructure are a high risk of contamination. House density is twice that of the general population. Nearly 1 in 4...
Words: 1458 - Pages: 6
...country as wealthy as Canada, close to one million people continue to rely on food banks to provide themselves with basic necessities each month. Food Banks are used by a wide variety of people within Canada, ranging from children and families, to single people, to even individuals who are employed. People tend to use food banks because they are not able to maintain a healthy lifestyle on their own. Whether it is because of economic, social, or cultural reasons, many people have no other option but to do so. I have determined that the main cause of an increase in food bank usage in Canada is poverty. Within Canada, poverty has been an ever-present issue for many years. Although Canada is rated eighth on the Human Development Index, there continues to be a growing number of impoverished people. Individuals who are not able to provide themselves with the basic necessities of life are at an incredible disadvantage when it comes to maintaining their health and well-being. They can be exposed to many illnesses and life threats because they are not able to provide themselves with the resources needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Things such as food, shelter, and warmth all become optional for an individual living in poverty as they have little opportunity to better their life or living situations. Factors such as housing, education, employment, and environment are all equally important in determining an individuals economic standing. Specific groups such as Aboriginals can be at even...
Words: 3410 - Pages: 14
...Struggle of Aboriginals in Canada “We owe the aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full partners in developing an even greater Canada. And the reconciliation required may be less a matter of legal texts than of attitudes of the heart.” - Roméo LeBlanc Aboriginal people are called the people from “First Nations” in Canada who have rich historical, cultural and spiritual traditions. However, many of these traditions were altered or even taken away upon the arrival of British and French settlers in Canada. Since then, forcing colonial culture and values on Aboriginal societies, the dispossession of Aboriginal lands and the seclusion of Aboriginals from modern amenities created a sequence of social, physical and spiritual devastation of their culture. Effect of these is quite noticeable even today. This is mainly because the Federal Government is not taking enough responsibility for providing proper support to Aboriginals with growing problems in the reserves. The Government of Canada recognizes the inherent right of self-government as an existing Aboriginal right under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 (AANDC). It recognizes that the inherent right may find expression in treaties, and in the context of the Crown's relationship with treaty First Nations. Recognition of the inherent right is based on the view that the Aboriginal peoples of Canada have the right to govern themselves in relation to matters that...
Words: 1821 - Pages: 8
...Aboriginal Rights What are Aboriginal rights? Aboriginal rights are collective rights which flow from Aboriginal peoples’ continued use and occupation of certain areas. They are inherent rights which Aboriginal peoples have practiced and enjoyed since before European contact. Because each First Nation has historically functioned as a distinct society, there is no one official overarching Indigenous definition of what these rights are. Although these specific rights may vary between Aboriginal groups, in general they include rights to the land, rights to subsistence resources and activities, the right to self-determination and self-government, and the right to practice one’s own culture and customs including language and religion. Aboriginal rights have not been granted from external sources but are a result of Aboriginal peoples’ own occupation of their home territories as well as their ongoing social structures and political and legal systems. As such, Aboriginal rights are separate from rights afforded to non-Aboriginal Canadian citizens under Canadian common law. European Settlement and Aboriginal struggles Aboriginal people have a long and proud history that includes rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Many of these traditions, however, were altered or even taken away upon the arrival of European settlers. The forced introduction of European culture and values to Aboriginal societies, the dispossession of Aboriginal lands, and the imposition of alien modes of governance...
Words: 1344 - Pages: 6
...Health Status of Aboriginal people in Ontario By: Taylor Veran Health Careers and Informatics Lorrie Lough November 1st, 2012 The majority of health issues that the Aboriginal community faces are related directly and indirectly to social, economic, cultural and political areas. Infrastructure, housing, employment, income, environmental and education are connected to the individual and community based effects of health. The health status of aboriginals in Ontario is very poor. There are a lot of health care needs for aboriginals that live in Northwest Ontario, also because the population is so high. The first nations population is the largest (958,000) Followed by the Metis (266,000) and the Inuit (51,000). Every year the population of aboriginals increases. The health status, diseases and life style of these people should be monitored and taken care of to an extent. Aboriginal population is relatively young in Ontario. The birth rate is two times the rate of the Canadian population, which is very high. Aboriginals seem to rank lower education, have higher rates of unemployment, along with higher rates of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, which can lead to needing a lot of health care. (Dr. Chandrakant P. Shah. 2005, page. 3) Some may argue that the health issues are genetic, but health means more than the absence of disease. A look at the history of colonization and the creation of the reservation system that forced removal of children to far away communities...
Words: 1570 - Pages: 7
...UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: the role of languages and culture in the promotion and protection of the rights and identity of Indigenous peoples. The State of Indigenous Peoples’ Languages and Cultures in Canada Submission by Kontinónhstats - The Mohawk Language Custodians Submitted by: Kontinónhstats – The Mohawk Language Custodians 14A Sóse Onahsakenrat (Joseph Swan Road) Kanehsatà:ke, Quebec Canada J0N 1E0 Phone: 450-479-1651 Email: Ellen Gabriel kontinonhstats2@hotmail.com Hilda Nicholas kononkwe@inbox.com Table of Contents Page Executive Summary ………………………………………………………. 3 - 6 Introduction ……………………………………………………………….. 6 – 7 Current Situation ………………………………………………………..... 7 – 9 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………. 9 - 11 Recommendations ……………………………………………………….... 12 End Notes …………………………………………………………………...13 - 14 Annex 1………………………………………………………………………15 -16 Annex 2………………………………………………………………………17 Suggested Questions ………………………………………………………..18 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This submission on Indigenous languages, culture and identity demonstrates the manner in which Canada continues to practice institutionalized racial discrimination and assimilation against Indigenous peoples’ human rights and fundamental freedoms through the imposition of their policies and programs which are based upon the archaic legislation of...
Words: 6213 - Pages: 25
...Section I: Opening Statement “Petroleum production and use is fundamental to our current way of life” (Environment Canada, 2011) We will be arguing in favour of British Columbia supporting the construction of the Northern Gateway Pipeline. Throughout our brief, we will provide several arguments reinforcing our position. In addition to the questions provided by the Hearing Panel, we found it extremely important and pertinent to address economic implications of the construction and functioning of the pipeline. For this reason, these elements will be discussed in Section IV of our brief. We chose to omit a couple of Questions of Analysis in favour of expanding on others that we felt were more relevant and necessary to our argument. We hold the belief that the potential benefits of the Northern Gateway Pipeline outweigh the potential costs; reasons for which will become evident in this written submission. Section II: Questions of Fact: Answered 1. Will the pipeline be running above or below ground? The vast majority of the pipeline will be buried up to a meter underground. The only exceptions will be select water crossings where it is safer to run the pipeline above the water crossing. (Enbridge Northern Gateway Project, 2013) 2. What is the lifespan of the project? The project will have a lifespan of 30 years (Enbridge Northern Gateway Project). 3. What is being transported in the pipeline? There are 2 pipelines. One is the oil pipeline and the other is the condensate...
Words: 3175 - Pages: 13
...Besides, knowledge of the benefits of using aborigines is important should be taught to the employers(Friesen & Friesen 2002) . The AANDC’s aboriginal workforce participation initiative educates employers about the advantages of hiring aboriginal employees, and helps them with the process. Subsidy support from the government also stops the hesitating of the employers to hire aborigines. Canada’s Wage Subsidy program in Calgary and its surrounding area is one of the examples. In order to secure the employment of aborigines, the program offers financial assistance towards the individual experiencing difficulty in getting jobs, and also offers the wage to employers to encourage them hiring individuals whom they normally may not be hired without subsidy support. A strategy like this reduces the cost of hiring a new employee for the employers, meanwhile provides valuable work experience and a chance of improving skills for aborigines who used to have the trouble of finding a job. Additionally, political pressure can promote the efficiency of dealing the issue of unemployment. As the 50% aboriginal hiring policy is committed in Canada, a strong aboriginal representation can be seen in the workplace, which...
Words: 1102 - Pages: 5
...a divisive campaign where identity issues featured prominently, Trudeau’s first steps have been a boon to diversity. His 31-member cabinet, which he unveiled as one that looks “like Canada,” is the most diverse the country has ever seen. Indigenous Canadians were tapped for the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General posts; a Muslim woman of Afghan descent named Maryam Monsef, who came to Canada as a refugee in 1996, was selected for Minister of Democratic Institutions; four[?] members of the Sikh community were also tapped, including Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan, which means Canada now has more Sikhs in cabinet than even India; and 50 percent of the cabinet is made up of women, another notable first. The media is swooning. But there is more. The Minister of Environment has been renamed Minister of Environment and Climate Change; the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has become Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development is now Indigenous and Northern Affairs (also formerly Indian Affairs and Northern Development before); and Minister of State became Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Of the 31-member cabinet, a [record?] sixteen chose not to be sworn in with a religious oath—including Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett who took hers while holding an eagle feather and tuft of sweetgrass in each hand. Aside from the benefit they may have on policy, these are worthy symbolic...
Words: 1185 - Pages: 5
...As a result of Canadian expansion, construction of a national railway, and increased activity in mining, the Canadian government wished to promote settlement in Northern Ontario. However, because the area was already inhabited by First Nations peoples the Government entered into negotiations in the effort to construct a treaty that would relocate the First Nations peoples to a dedicated land claim elsewhere. As a result, Treaty Nine (also referred to as “The James Bay Treaty”) was established on July of 1905, between the Government of Canada, in the name of King Edward II, and various First Nations groups in Northern Ontario (Treaty Texts, n.d.). The Ojibwa and Cree were two key groups involved in the signing of this treaty, representing their people in agreement with the government's terms. They had the basic idea that the treaty was one of sharing and friendship and their goal was to establish a relationship with the government of the day, where they could share the land and take part in the decisions affecting it (The Mushkewgowuk and Anishinaabe Peoples, 2009). They were poor and needed assistance, blindly welcoming the opportunity to start a discussion and enter into a treaty with Canada, which was thought to be an agreement that would bind each party together in good faith (George MacMartin's Big Canoe Trip, 2014). Hunting, fishing and trapping rights were of great significance and needed to be secured in an agreement with the government but the Indians also needed monetary...
Words: 2010 - Pages: 9
...Canada From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For other uses, see Canada (disambiguation). Page semi-protected Canada Vertical triband (red, white, red) with a red maple leaf in the centre A shield divided into four rectangles over a triangle. The first rectangle contains three lions passant guardant in gold on red; the second, a red lion rampant on gold; the third, a gold harp on blue; the fourth, three gold fleurs-de-lis on blue. The triangle contains three red maple leaves on a white background. A gold helmet sits on top of the shield, upon which is a crowned lion holding a red maple leaf. On the right is a lion rampant flying the Union Flag. On the left is a unicorn flying a fleurs-de-lis flag. A red ribbon around the shield says "desiderantes meliorem patriam". Below is a blue scroll inscribed "A mari usque ad mare" on a wreath of flowers. Flag Coat of arms Motto: A Mari Usque Ad Mare (Latin) "From Sea to Sea" Anthem: "O Canada" Royal anthem: "God Save the Queen"[1][2] Projection of North America with Canada in green Capital Ottawa 45°24′N 75°40′W Largest city Toronto Official language(s) English and French Recognised regional languages Chipewyan, Cree, Gwich’in, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, Slavey (North and South) and Tłįchǫ[3] Demonym Canadian Government Federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy[4] - Monarch Elizabeth II - Governor General David Johnston - Prime Minister Stephen...
Words: 14190 - Pages: 57
...represented by symbols such as the maple leaf, the beaver, and of course Tim Horton’s. These symbols tell stories about Canada’s traditions, history and citizens. So what does it mean to be Canadian? It means being used to harsh weather, knowing every word to O’ Canada, and watching every Hockey game ever played. Canadians feel a sense of home, they feel strong and free (Quoted right from its national anthem)! Canadians strongly believe that they live...
Words: 1108 - Pages: 5
...1.1 WHERE AND WHO ARE THEY The Lower Kootenay First Nation, locally called Yaqan Nukiy, is located in south eastern British Colombia in the spectacular Creston Valley along the banks of the Kootenay River. It clarifies on the official webpage that “the name Yaqan Nukiy literally means ‘where the rock stands’ and refers to an important place in Creston Valley” (Our History, Par.1). It has approximately 6,000 acres of community land for various uses that “4000 acres being prime agricultural land suitable for diverse crops and 1100 acres of wetland supporting a variety of wildlife” (“Building an Economy”, 7). The region is rich in agriculture, forestry and tourism resources. The Lower Kootenay First Nation’s main community is situated near south...
Words: 267 - Pages: 2
...among many more. There have been innumerable efforts at overcoming the disadvantages Aboriginal people have to face. For the purposes of this Essay, literature will be discussed in addressing the social inequality and disadvantage of indigenous people in relation to refining the gap in life expectancy (as a social-economic indicator) and what essential elements need to be considered for the process to work successfully. There are contending ideas in relevant literature as to what is the cause for the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, which also gives dissimilar arguments as to how to address the issue, with one side taking a view of longevity and the other a holistic method. It is argued that Indigenous Australians health inequalities could be narrowed with the improvement of the differences in health service access, provision and use. As the inabilities gain adequate health care due to, distance, cultural and availability barriers, thus leading to indigenous health problems being constant and prolonged (Healey 2002). However Eades of the of the Indigenous health research unit (2000, p.468) argues ‘that a complete tactic to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders involves understanding the close relationships between their social and economic status and their health’. This holistic view of the social and economical status of Aboriginal people being improved upon to overcome health problems, can be further reinforced...
Words: 1446 - Pages: 6
...Inter-jurisdictional Coordination of EA: Challenges and opportunities arising from differences among provincial and territorial assessment requirements and processes Report for the Environmental Planning and Assessment Caucus, Canadian Environmental Network East Coast Environmental Law Association Deborah Carver, Robert Gibson, Jessie Irving, Hilary Kennan, Erin Burbidge November 20, 2010 ______________________________________________________________________ Summary.........................................................................................................................................3 I Inter-jurisdictional coordination of EA........................................................................... 4 II Basic principles for upwards harmonization through inter-jurisdictional EA coordination.............................................................................................................................. 6 III Immediate and underlying concerns driving attention to improved inter-jurisdictional coordination.............................................................................................................................. 8 IV Provincial EA regime differences as a challenge and an opportunity for coordination and harmonization ..................................................................................................................11 V Key characteristics of the provincial and territorial EA regimes ..................................13...
Words: 50661 - Pages: 203
