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THOUGHT PIECE: Reflecting on Indigenous Heritage Month
Throughout Canada's history, Indigenous people have helped shape this land into the country we know today, in all realms including culture, history, and the economy.
Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly called National Aboriginal Day) is annually held on June 21 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the nation’s Aboriginal peoples (the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis).
Indigenous contributions to Canada are substantial. During all major battles in which Canadian troops fought, they participated fully and made ultimate sacrifices. Their contributions also include things that are part of our daily lives, such as the comb, the screw top jar, petroleum jelly, lawn darts and cough syrup to name a few. The canoe, the snowshoe, tipis and moccasins are also commonly known. Lacrosse and hockey are their famous contributions to Canada’s sports culture.
As of the 2016 census, Aboriginal peoples in Canada totaled almost 5% of the population. While some among them have become prominent figures, many continue to face harsh inequities and struggle to participate inclusively in society.
Poverty continues to disproportionately impact Indigenous communities. A Canadian Press review of census found that about 81% of reserves had median incomes below the low-income measure (Statistics Canada: $22,133/person). A 2014 study found Indigenous Peoples were almost as disadvantaged as in 2006 as they were 25 years earlier in 1981 (Global News, Oct 2017). These statistics are disappointing, and indicate that economic progress for this population has not taken place at a rate that is acceptable. Racism and inequities in the hiring process, accessibility to education and stable jobs must be understood
Indigenous peoples in Canada also have extremely high rates of psychological distress, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, and these mental health issues are linked to income inequalities (Canadian Medical Association Journal, March 2019). Suicide is a major cause of death among them, with rates being two to three times higher than among non-Indigenous Canadians (CBC News, March 2019). This is a substantial discrepancy and one deserving immediate attention. While poor mental health leading to suicide is not new data for most of us, new ways of alleviating poverty and homelessness, reducing income inequities, securing access to healthy food and making available necessary support systems must be prioritized.
As is often the case with women of all backgrounds, Indigenous women face further challenges. Poverty, single parenthood, unemployment and poor housing continue to affect them. While these concerns are often more acute in the North, where rural, isolated communities generally suffer higher rates of illness and have fewer services for the well-being and protection of women and children, they also exist in communities off the reserves.
Peel is home to over 10,000 people (Statistics Canada, 2016) who identify as Indigenous. There are several organizations which support this growing population and exist to educate others on their history and practices. The Indigenous Network (formerly Peel Aboriginal Network), The Credit River Metis Council and The Mississauga of the Credit have served the community for many years. Some progress has been made to reduce inequities within Peel’s education system. In March of 2019, the decision to hire more Indigenous teachers was made. The Peel District School Board approved a motion aimed at creating greater staff diversity, as Indigenous students are not graduating and excelling as their peers are. There is also an epidemic of suicides among Canadian Indigenous youth (Toronto Star, 2019).
The RDR recognizes that there is still a substantial amount of work needed by all sectors in order to reduce systemic inequities before our Indigenous populations can live healthy, safe and sustainable lives that will allow them to thrive. They are at the core of Canada’s history, and an essential part of our present and future. It is important to assert active effort in doing our part in bringing them - and all other marginalized groups – into the centre of our society so that they can continue to richly contribute to the fabric of our diverse country.
- RDR
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