Pg 109: What changes have been made to improve the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Canada?
Canada has improved the lives of Aboriginal peoples by recognizing their rights, increasing support for education and healthcare, and promoting economic development and self-governance. The government has also apologized for past wrongs and invested in better housing, clean water, and infrastructure.
Pg 117:
1. Why are elements of Aboriginal culture introduced to kindergarten-aged Ojibway children in Toronto?
Learning the language and cultural teachings of their Ojibway ancestors
2. Why do you think it can be so difficult to retain Aboriginal culture in cities?
Retaining Aboriginal culture in cities is hard because people are far from their traditional lands and practices. There is also pressure to fit into city life and fewer cultural resources are available.
3. What other Aboriginal social issues do Canadians need to address?
Canadians need to address several issues affecting Aboriginal people, including poor housing, lack of education opportunities, limited access to healthcare, high unemployment, unfair treatment in the justice system, and support for addiction and mental health problems.
Pg 124:
1. How did Elijah Harper promote the interests of a minority over the will of the majority?
Elijah Harper, a Cree politician, blocked the Meech Lake Accord in 1990 because it ignored Indigenous rights. His actions ensured that Indigenous voices were heard.
2. In a democracy, is it fair that one person can deny the will of the majority? Why or why not?
In a democracy, it can be fair for one person to deny the will of the majority if it protects minority rights and ensures all voices are heard. This prevents the majority from ignoring or harming minority groups.
Pg 126:
1. Read the material on the 1969 White Paper on pages 118-119.
a) How does the White Paper show that the federal government was well intentioned?
b) Why do you think that First Nations leaders opposed the terms of the paper so strenuously?
a) The 1969 White Paper showed good intentions by trying to end the Indian Act and make everyone equal, aiming to improve First Nations' lives.
b) First Nations leaders opposed the White Paper because it threatened their unique rights and culture, seeming like an attempt to erase their identity and force assimilation.
2. Canadian governmental functions are currently shared among three governments: the federal, provincial, and municipal (see Unit 2, "The Informed Citizen," for a discussion of the levels of government). Which functions do you think Aboriginal peoples would want their own governments to control in order to help solve their economic, cultural, and social problems? Which functions do you think the provincial and federal governments would want to keep? Why?Aboriginal peoples might want to handle land, education, healthcare, social services, and culture. Provincial and federal governments may prefer to deal with defense, immigration, international relations, and the economy for overall governance and stability.
3. Do you think it was important for the Canadian government to issue an apology to the Aboriginal peoples for past mistakes? Explain your answer.
In my opinion, it was important. Saying sorry for past mistakes, such as the residential school system, shows taking responsibility and a commitment to making things right, rebuilding trust with Indigenous peoples.