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The arrival of Europeans and colonization of Canada was bound to create a clash of ideological values, especially given the Eurocentric world view of early explorors. European conceptions of things like competition, ownership and private property were indirect contrast with Indigenous values of collectivism and cooperation. All Indigenous people in Canada experienced the imposition of European liberalism, some to the extent of attempted cultural genocide.
Getting the terms straight
Getting the terms straight
Given the number of names used to describe different groups of Indigenous people in Canada, it might be helpful to start with the video here that describes the use of all the different words.
Indigenous holistic Worldview
Indigenous holistic Worldview
Live in peace and harmony for survival
Co-operation brings group strength
Traditional land and territory is for the benefit of the collective
Sharing of land and resources to provide necessities of everyone
Each person is sacred and complete
European liberal worldview
European liberal worldview
Keep the peace
Gain allies to build strength and use them strategically
Acquire land and resources/private property
Capitalism/Competition
Change brings progress
Self-interest
Ideological COnflict
Ideological COnflict
When Europeans arrived in Canada, they brought their newly shaped liberal values, which promoted individualism through ideas of reason, change as progress; and the acquisition of resources, land and capital. These were in stark contrast to the collectivist beliefs of the Indigenous people they encountered. The result of this was Europeans attempting to influence, and in many cases, impose these values onto Indigenous culture.
Read through pages 217-221 of your textbook to get a better understanding of these concepts and consider the following questions:
What major problem emerged when Europeans began imposing their belief system on Indigenous people?
From the Indigenous perspective, how could liberal values like progress and competition be seen as a potential threat to their culture?
Explain the differences that existed between Indigenous people and the Canadian government with respect to land ownership. How did this impact the way both groups viewed treaties?
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