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Why Is My 10-Year-Old Already Wary of Canada's Indigenous People?

Posted: 01/09/2013 12:52 pm
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Walking downtown one sunny afternoon with my 10-year-old daughter and her friend, we passed a bus bench where a lady approached us, asking if I had any spare change. Reaching into my wallet, I gave her a few dollars.

"That lady asked for money. Why didn't she have her own money for the bus," my daughter said, her voice betraying her fear.

"One day you might have to ask a total stranger for bus fare too," I replied.

"She was native," my daughter said to her friend, as though their suspicions had been confirmed.

Knowing that this conversation would and did serve as a platform for moral as well as historical teaching lessons, my greater concern involved the obvious prejudice already instilled in these young girls.

How come my 10-year-old daughter is racist?

Growing up in a multicultural area of south Montreal in the '70s, I listened to my parents speak of some of our ethnic neighbours, describing their culture and their diverse beliefs in derogatory tones and language. My racism at the age of 10, although not acceptable, was somewhat understandable. But my daughter's?

Shame seared into my soul as I quickly mentally scanned various conversations spoken in our home over the years, and realized that before my Aboriginal studies courses taken in university in the last few years, I probably never would have even walked by that bus bench, taking instead some kind of detour to avoid the woman.

Thank goodness for a university program which had, as a prerequisite for graduation, a course in Aboriginal studies, otherwise I wouldn't know about the devastation that the Aboriginal community in Canada has endured for centuries. I wouldn't know about any of it because First Nations, Metis, and Inuit history was not taught while I was in school. More to the point though, the Canadian government doesn't like to bring it up, isn't truthful about what Canada has done to its Indigenous people, and is still hiding the fact that genocide has occurred in this country by the hand of the white man.

Our country prides itself on its worldwide humanitarian undertakings, yet our government balks at criticism in the United Nations' human rights report which states, "dramatically disproportionate...access to government services such as housing, health care, education, water and child protection" in its indigenous population. Of course it would be too much to expect that accountability be taken, and that truth be spoken of the atrocities that have occurred in our history. Before any progress can be made towards breaking down the reigning prejudice, our society, and more specifically the next generation of Canadians needs to know not only exactly what Aboriginal people have suffered, but also what they have overcome, and how they are rallying against a Canadian government that has repeatedly hid the crimes done to them.

I grew up in ignorant times when degradation and social class were issued based on the simplest of cultural identifiers such as the language one spoke or the smells of ethnic foods wafting through open windows.

But today? Why aren't today's youth more knowledgeable than I was?

Wondering if Canadian schools are now, finally, openly teaching about the crushing blows the indigenous people have endured in Canadian history, when questioned about his academic learning on this topic, my teen replied, yes. He has been taught about the early conflict between Canada's First Nations people and the European arrival, casually stating, as though he has never heard me expounding upon the unfairness of the treaties, the brutality and criminality of the residential school system, and the abhorrent state of many reservations. "Yeah, I know about all that, but it's not our fault the Natives were unfit for the challenges of the Europeans."

Does the UN realize that it's easy for Canada to continue to ignore the oppression of its Aboriginal population and the avoidance of their human rights when even our children's curriculum has been twisted so that the most shameful part of our history does not cause our white children to squirm with discomfort in their comfortable classrooms.

The expectation would be that after a thorough history lesson, our children should be horrified by the treatment of the Aboriginal community, not rationalizing it by stating, "At that time in history, Europeans were doing the same thing to indigenous people all over the world. It's what Europeans did."

Oh. Well, that's a relief. Cue sarcasm.

Loading Slideshow...

  • A native dancer looks on during an 'Idle No More' gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

  • Native dancers rally during an 'Idle No More' gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

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    Tla'Amin Prayer song on #J11 2013 Idle No More, Coast Salish Territories, Powell River BC

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    Tla'Amin Killer Whale Dance, #J11 #IdleNoMore, Coast Salish Territories, Powell River, BC

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  • <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/01/16/idle-no-more-queen-elizabeth-2-highway-blockade-alberta_n_2490009.html">Idle No More supporters jump onto a truck</a> as they are pushed by a driver trying to pass, as the protesters block Highway 2 as part of a planned national day of action, in Edmonton, Alberta on Wedneday January 16, 2013.

  • Aboriginal protesters march down Huron Church Road towards the Ambassador bridge in Windsor Ontario, Wednesday, January 16, 2013. About 1000 demonstrators disrupted traffic to the country's busiest border crossing for several hours.

  • Aboriginal protestors pray at the end of their blockade of a CN railroad track just west of Portage La Prairie, Man., on Wednesday, January 16, 2016. They ended their protest without incident.

  • Aboriginal protesters demonstrate at the base of the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor Ontario, Wednesday, January 16, 2013. About 1000 demonstrators disrupted traffic to the country's busiest border crossing for several hours.

  • Idle No More demonstrators block a CN east-west track just west of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba Wednesday, January 16, 2016.

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  • #Denendeh #J11 #IdleNoMore #YZF #NWT Yellowknife "Northwest Territories"

    Video of the Global Day of Action rally in downtown Somba K’e (Yellowknife)on the Akaitcho territory of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in Denendeh (Northwest Territories).

  • #IdleNoMore March and Round Dance in Yellowknife Denendeh NWT

    "Today (Friday, December 21, 2012) in Denendeh and across the globe, we made an impact, a statement for true justice to be brought forward and acknowledged. But it will not stop, for the 8th fire has been lit and will only grow. Mahsi for all who showed up and united, we felt the support....we felt the fire!! And there's more to come in the new year." On Facebook By Lawrence Nayally, Melaw Nakehk'o and Eugene Boulanger https://www.facebook.com/events/112403725595655/

  • Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, wearing a headdress, takes part in a drum ceremony before departing a Ottawa hotel to attend a ceremonial meeting at Rideau Hall with Gov. Gen. David Johnston in Ottawa, Friday January 11, 2013.

  • Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, centre, departs a Ottawa hotel to attend a ceremonial meeting at Rideau Hall with Gov. Gen. David Johnston in Ottawa, Friday January 11, 2013.

  • Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with First Nations leaders in Ottawa on January 11, 2013.

  • Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with First Nations leaders in Ottawa on January 11, 2013.

  • Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence makes a brief statement on Victoria Island near Parliament Hill Friday January 11, 2013 in Ottawa. Spence is speaking out for the first time about how her reserve spends government money, saying most of what flows to her isolated James Bay reserve actually gets spent outside the community.

  • Aboriginal Chiefs stand at the main gate to Parliament Hill during a protest Friday January 11, 2013 in Ottawa.

  • Idle No More protesters listen to speakers during a rally on Parliament Hill Friday January 11, 2013 in Ottawa.

  • Gordie Odjig of Wikwemikong stands at the west gate to the Langevin Block during the aboriginal meeting in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

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  • Native protesters march up Wellington Street in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Four-year-old Phoenix Sky Cottrelle,from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, holds a sign as aboriginal protestors gather on Victoria Island before they march to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Aboriginal protestors hold signs as they march from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Gordie Odjig, an aboriginal protestor from Wikwemikong, shouts as he marches from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

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  • Chicago Idle No More @ the Canadian Consulate

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  • VancouverC Jan 2 2013

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  • A man waves a flags as aboriginal protesters and supporters in the Idle No More movement block the Blue Water Bridge border crossing to the United States in Sarnia, Ont. on Saturday, January 5, 2013.

  • VancouverA Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverB Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverD Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverH Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC, January 2, 2013.

  • VancouverF Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverE Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverG Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • Flag Planting

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/seawaytoday"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/seawaytoday">seawaytoday</a>:<br />Akwesasne Idle No More att Cornwall, ON

  • Dec 21st 2012 Idle No More Ottawa: Berdine

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Gail_Chicky_Gallagher"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/535670179/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Gail_Chicky_Gallagher">Gail Chicky Gallagher</a>:<br />




 

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Walking downtown one sunny afternoon with my 10-year-old daughter and her friend, we passed a bus bench where a lady approached us, asking if I had any spare change. Reaching into my wallet, I gave he...
Walking downtown one sunny afternoon with my 10-year-old daughter and her friend, we passed a bus bench where a lady approached us, asking if I had any spare change. Reaching into my wallet, I gave he...
 
 
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JDuck
Until we know the equal we'll never feel the free.
535 Fans
12:02 PM on 01/23/2013
Is the same daughter that posted "Jesus is my faith, not my religion."?

She's just mimicking the Christian concept that if you dont worship Jesus then you must be a fan of Satan. After all, you cannot trust Satan worshipers, yes...?
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Nat Pop
41 Fans
03:05 AM on 01/15/2013
Because of you.
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RandeeJo
0 Fans
 
02:01 PM on 01/14/2013
its taught worldwide. I live in America where things arent what they seem. Isnt it never what it seems. But the fact that your children have no intention of their racial attitudes is the pinpoint of what is wrong in our education system today! The children are being taught "subliminal racism" is what i like to call it. because they arent even aware of their attutides being racist in the first place. Sadly it will not end if their parents dont promote it. And years later my children and my fellow First Nations children will all be subjected to it, Racism, like its everyday normality, which isnt right. And exactly what the government wants people such as your children to thinklike. Creating a racial mindset subliminally is the worst in my opinion.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Harry Bradford
905 Fans
01:20 PM on 01/12/2013
The first Good Samaritan story I ever heard came from my mother. In 1946, she and my father were travelling through British Columbian backroads to a logging camp he was trying to develop. Their car broke down and they waited at the side of the road as white people passed by. Finally, some natives stopped and gave help. They drove my mother to their shack and fed her tea and bread. They took my father to a service station to get parts needed for repair. Since it was now dark, they let my parents stay overnight and fed them in the morning before they set out again. I am so fortunate that my mother told me that story.
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
Leslie Botchar
2 Fans
11:53 PM on 01/10/2013
Wow my friend! So thought-provoking and well said.
I think the most effective response I could leave......is almost none at all.
Why is that? Because I don't know very much about this situation At All. And that I assume, is quite telling. Why don't I know very much about our Aboriginal/FN people. I sure don't recall learning much more than the "bare facts" as they were presented to us in high school. I have pretty much no real life experience with anyone of FN culture in my present life. I do not believe I even know anyone who is of our Aboriginal Culture.
Well consider me spurred towards self education. No way any of my children are leaving my home with anything remotely resembling hatred or racism passing their lips. (although, I agree with what other commentors said that your daughter didn't intend to sound that way at all.) Love will always be spoken here first.. and last.
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rezchicklet
5 Fans
 
01:24 PM on 01/10/2013
Thank you for your words, Sandra.

Thank you for bringing awarenss to your family and to others.
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dalethompson
31 Fans
11:59 AM on 01/10/2013
I don't think the daughter is racist nor do I believe there is any malicious intent in what comes out of a 10 year old's mouth either.

In some way, every single person is wary of another race or creed, that's how God made us. God made us to look at things differently from the outside and, yes, question it when it doesn't quite make sense or if it seems not normal compared to ourselves or what we've been exposed to in the past.

God also gave every single person the ability to look at things differently from the inside too, that's the difference between questioning things and racism. You can question why a person looks the way they do, why they act differently and why things are the way they are, questions lead to answers and then people are informed. People who are racists don't bother to look at things differently from the inside, they see only what they see and then make their determinations and bias based on that. Racist people are either too afraid in wanting to know the truth or ignorant they may just learn something new.

No, your daughter isn't a racist, far from it. She's questioning things she doesn't quite understand yet and that's a normal thing for a child. The best thing anyone can do for children with questions is to get them to look at things from the inside, that's where the truth will always lie.
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louie0102
0 Fans
06:50 AM on 01/10/2013
As part of the next generation, I have to say that it's no longer true that canadian children don't get any aboriginal issues education in elementary school. They actually get some aboriginal history almost every year. I too have taken university courses in aboriginal issues and I am no more sympathetic to their cause. I understand the horrible conditions they lived through. But growing up in Toronto, I see immigrants who have lived through equally horrific conditions, genocide and tyrranical governments. But somehow they manage to move to canada, start again and raise successful, well-educated and healthy children. When will the native communities do this?
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wetcoastm
Free Speech As Dictated By Our Sponsors
270 Fans
02:44 PM on 01/10/2013
They don't get to move away from the people who took their home.
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Vincent C Dow
0 Fans
10:58 PM on 01/10/2013
Try looking native ( if your talented enough) and talking with a native accent and then see the indifference in people...live like that for a week and then you ll find that you have a hard enough time being who you are and dealing with self esteem issues and predjudices from employers, bus drivers and well...racist comments like the one you just made. Your not speaking about equality....you just notice the hurdles native canadians have but you dont notice that your one of them. Just sayin is all! (message for Louie0102).
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JrTokin
50 Fans
12:53 PM on 01/13/2013
well said! kudos
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Alwaysworking
0 Fans
10:30 PM on 01/10/2013
Kudos to the hefty government programs that support them. I wonder why those aren't called government handouts.
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jarnakak
fava beans and sweet breads are for sissies
166 Fans
07:18 PM on 01/09/2013
excellent essay, Sandra Charron. you bring up some important issues.

i think part of the problem has to do with eliminating 'liberal arts' educational curriculum in favour of universalistic secularism where outward signs of identity and culture are downplayed rather than honestly examined; there's also that bureaucratic treatment of human development (piaget) that pretends we exist inside a clinic where knowledge is prescribed rather than acquired through dialogue and dialectics.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
see-ellen2001
451 Fans
05:47 PM on 01/09/2013
I do have to ask the author...where there clear instances of your daughter making desparaging remarks about FNations people? I would be concerned if after your daughter says "she was native" you label her racist. Did you discuss her intent behind the comment vs your assumption or perception? I am not saying that your daughter does or does not hold such attitudes. My concern relates to a situation i had way back. A very funny talented night course college teacher and a small group of us got on really well. He kept saying again and again he wanted to move to the states. So I asked him if he wanted to move there bcs that is where he was from. He launched into me saying I thought that bcs he was black and cant black people be from Canada? Huh? I had no clue what he was talking about. I would've asked the same if he was white...I had never met someone at that time who actually WANTED or planned to move to the states (now is a different story and back then no free trade )so assumed he wanted to move back. He was not interested in finding out what my comment reflected...he quickly labelled.
This is not to say racism against FN people is sparse...it is actually quite ingrained in our society. My friend is half Mohawk but not a lot of people at work know bcs the "she only got the job bcs she checked the box"
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msdress up
3 Fans
05:41 PM on 01/09/2013
The racism runs deep in your family and frankly taking one university course about FN will not cure your ails. You need to break the cycle if you want your daughter to be more tolerant than yourself.
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Seamus OMalley
My micro-bio is no longer empty.
86 Fans
03:53 PM on 01/09/2013
A child is the product of it's environment.
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pterabite
1 Fans
 
01:51 PM on 01/10/2013
and that environment includes schools. Which she said. So I'm not sure what your point is.
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Dorothy 1
2 Fans
03:41 PM on 01/09/2013
Children learn racism from their parents.
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JrTokin
50 Fans
11:37 AM on 01/10/2013
yes and no. while in the formative years of childhood this may set the bar if there is much interaction between races and the child absorbs it not knowing the emotional applications behind the words.
but mostly the child forms their opinions from their surroundings.. and most kids aren't at home all day unless baby-sat or other care-minders who.. basically could help with the perception the child has developed.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
AKQueenie
No such thing as coincidence, just synchronicity.
132 Fans
03:31 PM on 01/11/2013
My parents were raised with differing veiws of First Nations. My dad- they are horrible people who don't need a dime. My Mom- they are people who have been treated very horribly, they need all the help they can get.
I am glad I got both points of views. (I hated all the heated arguments I had to witness.) I got to educate myself and come up with my own conclusion. I just wish more people wanted to be educated and educate on our own history. Knowledge is power. Ignorance is bliss. What would Canada rather have?
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