Historical Context

Investigating the historical context of the injustices faced by Indigenous women is essential to understanding the roots and causation of murders, assimilation of culture, racism, disposition of land, and many other crimes. It all started in the United States with the exploration and colonization of North America. Italian explorer Christopher Columbus embarked on a voyage from Spain in 1492 with the goal of finding a new route to Asia. Without planning, he reached the Bahamas, believing that he had reached the Indies. He then explored multiple islands in the Caribbean and further explored Central and South America, which ultimately led to the colonization of the Americas. During his expeditions, he encountered Native Americans and, tragically, multiple lives were lost as he attempted to forcibly transport them back to Spain as a way to showcase his discoveries and assert his claims to the newly discovered lands. Additionally, he aimed to present them as evidence of the potential wealth and resources that could be found in these territories. However, only eight of them survived. In Christopher Columbus’ letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, 1493, he states “I discovered many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for our most fortunate King by making public proclamations and unfurling his standard, no one making any resistance.” Columbus claimed possession of their lands on behalf of the king he was serving. He believed that the land could effortlessly be conquered by Spain. This ultimately led to negative impact on indigenous populations, including displacement, violence, and the spread of diseases.

From the late 19th century into the 20th, the U.S. government forcibly removed over 150,000 Indigenous children from their families to Residential Schools with the intent of assimilating them into Western culture and Christianity. This led to the loss of cultural identity and exposure to severe abuse. Indigenous people today still face numerous barriers to political engagement, such as remote living conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and lower socioeconomic status, which in turn reduces their political influence.

Furthermore, Indigenous populations in North America are subjected to significant economic hardships. For instance, a large proportion of Indigenous language-speaking women in Mexico live in poverty, struggling to afford necessities. In Canada, Aboriginal groups face stark health disparities and limited healthcare access compared to non-Aboriginal populations. Positive strides have been made in education and school enrollment for Native Americans, yet employment rates have not improved, perpetuating poverty and inequality. This complex history and ongoing challenges highlight the need for continued efforts to address and rectify these systemic issues.