Midterm Assignment - Xuan Cuong Phan - T00644489

pdf

School

Thompson Rivers University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

2140

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by CountProton7776

ANTH 2140 Xuan Cuong Phan T00644489 Midterm Assignment 1. Indigenous Studies: a. List two features / tenets of Indigenous Studies as an approach. (0.5 x 2 = 1 mark). - Two tenets of Indigenous Studies are: o Multidisciplinary o Critically engaged b. In paragraph form, discuss two ways in which this approach (an Indigenous studies approach) may contribute to your primary field of study or future goals (such as NRS, Social Work, Education, Geography….). In other words, how might the approach taken in this course help inform your future practice in your chosen fields? Please link each of your two responses to specific tenets of Indigenous Studies (2 marks). In the field of nursing, an Indigenous Studies approach can significantly enhance the quality of patient care. By integrating the tenet of respecting Indigenous knowledge systems, healthcare professionals can better understand the cultural, spiritual, and traditional health beliefs of Indigenous patients. This understanding helps create a more patient-centered and culturally competent approach to healthcare. Nurses can collaborate with Indigenous communities to incorporate traditional healing practices and knowledge into treatment plans, respecting the autonomy and self-determination of these communities. Moreover, by recognizing the historical trauma and disparities experienced by Indigenous populations (linked to the concept of decolonization), healthcare providers can actively work to address and rectify health inequities and promote more equitable health outcomes for Indigenous patients. In the field of Social Work, an Indigenous Studies approach aligns with the tenet of self-determination. Social workers can play a pivotal role in supporting Indigenous communities' self-governance and self-sufficiency. By engaging in culturally sensitive and community-led social work practices, professionals can empower Indigenous individuals and communities to address social and economic challenges. This might include assisting communities in developing their social service programs, addressing issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and child welfare, and collaborating with Indigenous leaders to shape policies that are more responsive to their unique needs. Moreover, recognizing the historical trauma and injustices experienced by Indigenous populations allows social workers to work collaboratively with these communities to address issues like intergenerational trauma and support the healing process, thus promoting the overall well-being of Indigenous populations.

2. Colonialism: a. What is colonialism? (1 mark) - Colonialism is the cultural domination of one group by another. b. What is the underlying cultural assumption in the project of colonialism? (1 mark) - Colonialism premised on an assumption of racial superiority. c. In paragraph form discuss the difference between colonialism and settler colonialism and why it matters to understand this difference in the place most dominantly known as Canada. (2 marks) Colonialism is the broader concept of a foreign power exerting control over a territory, typically for economic exploitation and cultural influence. Settler colonialism, a specific form of colonialism, involves settlers from the colonizing power establishing a new society in the colonized land, displacing or subjugating the indigenous population. In Canada, it's crucial to understand this difference because the nation's history is primarily marked by settler colonialism. Recognizing this distinction is vital for addressing the ongoing impact of land dispossession, cultural suppression, and achieving reconciliation with indigenous communities, as well as acknowledging their rights to land and self- determination. Understanding settler colonialism is pivotal for fostering a more just and inclusive society in Canada. d. List three things about colonialism that struck you in the film Babaquaria . Please offer a specific example from the film to illustrate each of your three points. (3 marks) - Power Dynamics and Subversion : The film effectively subverts traditional colonial power dynamics. In the film, indigenous Australians wield authority over the white European colonizers, highlighting how colonialism involves the imposition of one group's values and control over another. For example, the scene where an indigenous Australian official explains to the white European colonizers that they "were here first" humorously inverts the historical narrative. - Cultural Appropriation and Stereotypes : "Babakiueria" playfully exposes the absurdity of cultural appropriation and racial stereotypes that are often perpetuated in colonial contexts. One scene, for instance, portrays indigenous Australians mimicking white European behaviors and clothing, emphasizing how these actions can be seen as caricatures when roles are reversed. - Dehumanization and Lack of Empathy : The film draws attention to the dehumanization and lack of empathy that often occur in colonial situations. The indigenous Australian officials refer to the white European colonizers by degrading labels, much like how indigenous peoples were often

dehumanized in actual colonial contexts. This reflects the dehumanization that can occur when one group dominates and oppresses another. 3. Ways of Knowing: a. As cultural anthropologists, how do we conceptualize / understand / define “ways of knowing”? (1 marks) Ways of knowing are: o Systems of knowledge that guide how the world is understood, interpreted, and experienced. o The lens through which we make sense of and interpret the world. o Collective ‘common sense’ about the way the world is. o Epistemology b. Why is it important to consider “ways of knowing” as part our Indigenous studies approach? (1 mark) - Each cultural community possesses its unique way of perceiving and comprehending the world, forming the foundation for how they organize their society and address their needs. Therefore, incorporating "ways of knowing" into Indigenous studies is a way to challenge colonial perspectives, foster respect for Indigenous cultures, and promote a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable approach to education, research, and social engagement. It enriches our collective knowledge and contributes to a more just and harmonious society. c. Thinking back to the film Reel Injun , how does the concept of “ways o f knowing” connect to our conversation about colonialism and settler colonialism, and the politics of representation therein. You are being asked here to elaborate on your response to the question “what is colonialism” through your response to “how do we define ways of knowing” using two specific examples from the film to illustrate your points. (2 marks) - 4. Ecological Zones: a. Name the 6 ecological zones in the territory now most dominantly known as Canada and list one physical feature/characteristic of each (0.5x6=3 marks) - Boreal Forest (Taiga) : The boreal forest, which covers a significant portion of Canada, is characterized by coniferous trees such as spruce, fir, and pine. It is known for its cold winters and vast stretches of dense forest. - Tundra: The Canadian tundra is a treeless landscape found in the northernmost regions of the country. It features low, scrubby vegetation and permafrost, which remains frozen year-round.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

- Temperate Rainforest: Located along the west coast of British Columbia, the temperate rainforest is known for its high levels of rainfall and lush, moss-covered forests. It is one of the world's rarest ecosystems. - Prairie: The Canadian prairies, found in the central provinces, are characterized by vast, flat grasslands. These regions often experience hot summers and cold winters and are known for their fertile soil. - Mountainous Regions: Canada has several mountainous areas, including the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and British Columbia and the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern provinces. These regions feature towering peaks, rugged terrain, and are known for their recreational opportunities. - Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Lowlands : This region in the southern part of Canada features the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. It is characterized by a mix of forests, fertile farmland, and access to the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. b. Reflecting on our lecture discussion about Settler Colonialism, why is understandings land/place/ecological context central to Indigenous studies in the territory now most dominantly known as Canada? This question is asking you to link our conversation about settler colonialism and our conversation about land and place. (2 mark) I joined the class in the third week; therefore, I did not attend the lecture where the class discussed about colonialism. However, here is my opinion on why understandings land/place/ecological context is central to Indigenous studies in the territory now most dominantly known as Canada: - Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Land and place are deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual beliefs of Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous nations have sacred sites and ancestral connections to specific places. These connections are integral to their identity, ceremonies, and way of life. - Historical and Contemporary Injustices: The dispossession of Indigenous lands and the impacts of colonialism, such as resource extraction and environmental degradation, have had profound effects on Indigenous communities. Understanding the land and ecological context is essential for addressing historical injustices and advocating for environmental justice. - Reconciliation and Relationship-Building: To foster reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, it is crucial to understand the importance of land, place, and ecological context in Indigenous worldviews. This understanding can lead to respectful and mutually beneficial relationships. c. Please share two things that stood out for you when you watched Angry Inuk as they relate to other things that we have talked about so far in the course. Please be specific in the examples from the film and elaborate on how it illustrates/is connected to something else that we have talked about in class so far. (2 marks)

5. Media Assignments and the Politics of Representation: a. According to Harding (2005), what is the primary functions of the media? (1 mark). - The function of the media is to inform, educate, entertain, and provide a forum for public discussion and debate. b. In paragraph form, please tell me about two things that struck you from Matika Wilbur’s TedXSeattle Talk that we watched in Week 3? (2 marks). The video have me thinking about the way modern society reimagine of Native American. When she talked about film that included American Indians, the film showed Indians as “ impoverished and/or beaten down by society ”, or “ in conflict with Whites ”. However, the portrayal of professional photographers, musicians, educators, and medical practitioners was notably lacking. It made me think about the stereotypes and misrepresentations of Native peoples in the media and popular culture and I became more understood about the importance of re- imagining and humanizing Native communities, moving beyond outdated and harmful portrayals. Another story that struck me is the story about the intricate irrigation systems of the Paiute people. The response of Paul about the struggle for sovereignty impressed me. He said, “ The important thing is that we are here. We survived. If you think about it, every Native that is alive today as a result of our ancestors surviving. So, you have to ask yourself, ‘Why are you here?’ ‘Why am I here?’”. Despite being under colonization, the Native nations are still alive, not being blended in and still striving to correct the disconnect between what is experienced through the Media and what is actual. c. What topic/story have you selected for your Media Assignment project and what drew you to this topic? (1 mark) - My topic for Media Assignment would be about “ National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls ”. Back in 2019 when I came to Canada, I did not understand why there were a lot of red dresses hanged around the campus, it then drew by attention toward the Red Dress Day and MMIWG. d. Please share with me the titles and source links for 2 of the articles that you have found so far in your research? (2 marks) Here are the 2 articles for my research so far: - ‘Read the 231 Calls for Justice’: Oct. 4 marks National Day of Action for MMIWG | Globalnews.ca

- Murders of Indigenous women, girls far likelier but result in lower charges: report - National | Globalnews.ca e. What are some of your preliminary thoughts on how your story is being framed/discussed in the media? (1 marks) - To be honest, I feel like my topic is too board for now, I am trying to narrow down my topic and will start to organize my ideas within this week. 6. Your Indigenous Studies a. What is the most interesting thing that you have learned in this course so far this term? (1 mark) - Although I have missed a few lectures, the class for me is very interesting. Before I do not have much knowledge about Indigenous nations, but this class help me understand a lot of things about colonization and the struggle of the native people. Being a person in which nation has fought back colonialism (I am Vietnamese), it makes me more and more treasure the effort of the Indigenous people. b. What are you looking most forward to about the remainder of the course? (1 mark) - To be honest I have no idea. But I will keep attending the class because I really love your lecture.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Midterm Assignment - Xuan Cuong Phan - T00644489

Related Documents