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Essay / The History of Abuse and Discrimination Against Indigenous Canadians
Indigenous Canadians have an excessive history of mistreatment and discrimination in Canada. In modern society, this is considered a sad chapter in Canadian history. The many effects of the Indian residential school systems exposed racism within the Canadian government. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Indian residential schools had two purposes: ; separate Indigenous children from the influence of their culture and instill in them the customs of the dominant Euro-Canadian culture. This was based on the belief that native culture was savage and inferior, or commonly described as "Kill the Indian in the child." Approximately 150,000 children, or 30% of indigenous children, are forcibly subjected to this policy. Children were forbidden from speaking their cultural languages or practicing their indigenous customs. The children had a standard, uniform appearance, with cropped hair and European clothing. They were expected to participate in church festivals and rituals. Students who refused to comply were often punished with physical, emotional, or sexual violence. Poor funding for Indian residential schools led to inadequate facilities (e.g., lack of heating and ventilation), poor quality education (e.g., unqualified teachers), and neglect. basic survival needs of children (e.g. lack of clothing, food). School overcrowding was a common occurrence and often led to illness and/or death. The mortality rate in Indian residential schools is estimated to be around fifty percent. Despite this, some former students have spoken positively about their residential school experiences, but this view of residential schools is overshadowed. The residential school policy had a detrimental and lasting effect on the Indigenous community. The abuse experienced is revealed to be comparable to the high prevalence of mental illness (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder and depression), alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide among former students. The cultural stigma created by residential schools created an intergenerational effect. This includes personal trauma, loss of indigenous language and culture, and lack of a nurturing family life. Isolation of children from a family not only creates a cultural and linguistic gap, but also an inability to learn adequate parenting skills and perpetuates the cycle of abuse. The high incidence of domestic violence within Aboriginal families leads to many unhealthy family relationships. Indigenous children believe that they do not belong on either side because they are not truly Indigenous, nor are they part of the dominant society. Former students faced rejection and discrimination from both companies. Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized on behalf of all Canadians to former residential school students. “Today, we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, that it caused great damage and that it has no place in our country.” He declared on June 11, 2008: "The Government of Canada sincerely apologizes and asks forgiveness from the indigenous peoples of this country for having so profoundly failed in their duty." The purpose of the apology was to acknowledge responsibility for the effects of residential schools and to lay the foundation for healing relations between Indigenous people and Canadians. (Canada. Parliament of Canada 2008). Keep in mind: this.