The following Q&A on Aboriginal culture was discussed today by a guest speaker named JP. The questions and answers are transcribed roughly, as I typed them while they were being said.
Q: Have you ever had a bad experience on a [reserve?]
A: More of my bad experiences came from off of reserves then on. I've especially seen a lot of horrific hate crimes against Indians in the town of Caroline. One specific example I can recall is the day when an Indian child was found nailed to a door. This was a statement by a group of Caroliners that they wanted the Indians out of Caroline. On the other hand, there is a lot of news coverage of hate crimes happening in Hobbema. Yet, when I go there with my grandmother, we go to the mall and buy leather, beads, etc., and our experience is generally quite pleasant.
Q: How many religions are there in FNMI cultures?
A: Organized religion did not exist within First Nations until the Europeans cam and forced Christianity upon them. Today many Aboriginal people identify themselves as Christian. I think it's fear that compels them to believe in God i.e. fear of going to Hell etc. I was raised Catholic, but I don't identify myself as Catholic. But I don't think there are any "organized religions" in the tribes or bands in Canada.
Q: Can you buy a house on a reserve?
A: Because of the government, it is virtually impossible for a non-status Indian to buy a house on a reserve. Nobody really wants to do so anyway, because of the high level of poverty.
Q: What are some challenges facing FNMI communities in the Red Deer area specifically?
A: I find there is a lot of misunderstanding about Aboriginal people. I've heard people say they think Aboriginal people are getting "extra help." My belief is that everybody getting the same treatment is not the same as justice. One anecdote I can relate is a picture I saw with three boys of different heights watching a baseball game. The two shorter ones had trouble seeing, while the tallest could see perfectly. In the next picture the shorter boys were standing on boxes so that all three were the same height. That is what I call just treatment.
Q: Have you had any experiences where you were [negatively] judged for being an FNMI person?
A: I have an ambiguous skin tone, so I could pass for just about anything. For me, such experiences usually happen when I am in a group. When I go out in a group, I don't drink, because I don't want to be thought of as another "drunken Indian."
Q: How can we get more people to appreciate FNMI culture?
A: Firstly, people who are FNMI prefer to be called "aboriginal people" instead of just "aboriginals." So that's one thing to be careful of. Another thing is, try to understand their perspective; when you ask questions to an aboriginal person, don't go in with your own biases or prejudices.
Q: In what ways can teachers prepare for teaching FNMI students?
A: Same as before - try to understand their point of view, their story; and overall, just treat them like human beings.
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