We often ask ourselves questions like what would we be like
in ten years, twenty years or when we are dead. We are only just asking what our
future, our legacy is. In “The Three Day
Road” we are given a glimpse of the present conflict in the wartime for Aboriginals
and their bravery. Already being tormented solely judged by their race, the
Aboriginals still stood up for their country (in their eyes) Canada, and took
the higher road by standing alongside with the Canadians. Their bravery was
rewarded at that time, but does their legacy really stand today? Are people
really grateful for the glorious deeds the Aboriginals did or were the faces of
these minorities simply ignored? We may see the occasional honour for the First
Nations but isn’t the government just counteracting these acts of kindness by
having residential schools and land disputes? Is the Aboriginal legacy really
protected or was it just washed away?
The First Nations fought hard to protect their traditions. The government did attempt to assimilate them through residential schools and reserves. However, the Aboriginals were determined to protect their beliefs and traditions. They practiced potlatches in secrecy when the government disallowed it. Even though they were caught and the leaders punished, it was not enough to douse the flames of the tribes. Even through all those injustices, First Nations answered the call to war. Many young aboriginals died, and those who returned saw no change in their treatment. It is only very recently that the First Nations are treated as they should. Their culture are recognized as a central part of Canadian heritage. Their artwork are displayed prominently in various places of the country and compensations of past wrongdoings are being negotiated.
ReplyDeleteAboriginal people are still being discriminated by the government. In Social Studies 10 we've learnt about the tragedy of Louis Riel and the two rebellions, but all that he tried to fight for was wiped away by the government and even nowadays his people are politically unrepresented.
ReplyDeleteo rly
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