OLD History Assignment - The Founding Nations
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of South Africa *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
HYS2601
Subject
History
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
6
Uploaded by AgentOkapi2742
FOUNDING NATIONS
Ilham Shashaah
Canadian History – Virtual High School
November 8, 2023
1
Greetings, my name is Ilham, an 18-year old Métis woman from the Red River Settlement. I am here to speak on behalf of my people, who have been ignored and marginalized for centuries by the colonial powers that claim to rule this land. I am here to
challenge the idea that Canada has just two founding nations — the French and the English, and at the same time, I wish to assert that the Métis are a distinct nation, with a unique history, culture, language, and territory, and that we
deserve recognition, respect, and justice in this, our land
1
.
The Métis are the children of the fur trade, born of the unions between European men and
Indigenous women. We have inherited the rich blood, the undying spirit, and the deeply rooted traditions of both sides of our lineage, and we have forged our own identity and way of life in the
heart of this continent. Our people have been allies, partners, and intermediaries between the Europeans and the Indigenous nations, facilitating trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. We have made significant contributions to the exploration, development, and defense of this land, and at the same time, we have fought for our rights and freedoms against oppression and injustice
2
.
The Métis have a long and complex history of relations with the European colonizers, especially the French and the British. Our ancestors were among the first to welcome and assist 1.
Barman, Jean, and Mike Evans. "Reflections on being, and becoming, Métis in British Columbia."
BC Studies: 2.
Bell, Catherine. "Who are the Métis people in section 35 (2)."
Alta. L. Rev.
29 (2009): 351.
3.
Boisvert, David, and Keith Turnbull. "Who are the Métis?."
Studies in Political Economy
18, no. 1 (2019): 107-147.
4.
Logan, T., 2018. Settler colonialism in Canada and the Métis. In
Canada and Colonial Genocide
(pp. 69-88). Routledge.
5.
Peters, Evelyn J. "First Nations and Métis people and diversity in Canadian cities."
Belonging
(2007): 207-46.
6.
Sealey, D. Bruce, and Antoine S. Lussier. "The Metis: Canada's Forgotten People." (2020).
7.
Teillet, Beverley-Jean.
The Metis of the Northwest: Towards
2
the French explorers and missionaries who came to this land in the 17th and 18th centuries. They
shared their knowledge, skills, and resources with them, and they intermarried with them, creating a new people and a new culture. The Métis were instrumental in the expansion and success of the French fur trade, which was the main economic activity and source of wealth in New France. This newfound wealth was instrumental in the financing the regions early developmental projects that led to increased economic prosperity. It is paramount to emphasize that the Métis also participated in the wars and conflicts between the French and the British, and between the Indigenous nations and the colonizers, often siding with the French against the British invasion and occupation of their lands
3
.
The changes and challenges that followed the British conquest of New France in 1763 had an adverse impact on the life of the Métis people
3
. The Royal Proclamation of 1763, a piece of legislation that was supposed to protect the rights and interests of the Indigenous peoples, shockingly did not recognize the Métis as a distinct group, and did not include them in the negotiations and treaties that were made with the British Crown
2
. This lack of representation meant that the document, which is considered the first legal document where
the British Crown recognized Aboriginal rights, was drafted without any member of the Métis tribe present. This recurred when the Métis were similarly excluded from the Quebec Act of 1774, which granted some rights and privileges to the French-speaking Catholic population of Quebec, but not to the Métis, who were mostly Protestant and spoke a different language
3
. The Métis were also discriminated against by the British authorities and settlers, who viewed them as inferior, illegitimate, and rebellious. The Métis people faced a vast array of restrictions on their trade, land, and mobility, and they were subjected to perpetual harassment, violence, and exploitation, 1.
Barman, Jean, and Mike Evans. "Reflections on being, and becoming, Métis in British Columbia."
BC Studies: 2.
Bell, Catherine. "Who are the Métis people in section 35 (2)."
Alta. L. Rev.
29 (2009): 351.
3.
Boisvert, David, and Keith Turnbull. "Who are the Métis?."
Studies in Political Economy
18, no. 1 (2019): 107-147.
4.
Logan, T., 2018. Settler colonialism in Canada and the Métis. In
Canada and Colonial Genocide
(pp. 69-88). Routledge.
5.
Peters, Evelyn J. "First Nations and Métis people and diversity in Canadian cities."
Belonging
(2007): 207-46.
6.
Sealey, D. Bruce, and Antoine S. Lussier. "The Metis: Canada's Forgotten People." (2020).
7.
Teillet, Beverley-Jean.
The Metis of the Northwest: Towards
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
3
however, they did not accept their marginalization and subordination by the British colonial system, as a people, they resisted and challenged the British domination and encroachment on their lands and rights, and they asserted their autonomy and sovereignty as a nation
4
. The Métis people were also involved in several uprisings and rebellions against the British, such as the Battle of Seven Oaks in 1816, the Red River Resistance in 1869-1870, and the Northwest Rebellion in 1885
4
. These events were led by Métis leaders, such as Cuthbert Grant, Louis Riel, and Gabriel Dumont, who fought for the recognition and protection of the Métis nation, culture, and territory. They continuously sought to establish their own political and legal institutions, such as the Provisional Government of Assiniboia, which was formed during the Red River Resistance, and the Métis Bill of Rights, which was presented to the Canadian government during the negotiations for the entry of Manitoba into Confederation. The Métis also
created their own symbols and expressions of their identity, such as the Métis flag, the Métis sash, and the Métis anthem
5
.
Many hardships and struggles were faced by the Métis people in their history, and they continue to face many challenges and issues today. The Métis have been denied their rights and status as an Indigenous people by the Canadian government, which has refused to acknowledge their existence, history, and contributions to this country. The extension of this travesty can be observed in the exclusion of the Métis people the treaties and agreements that have been made between the Crown and the First Nations, and they have been left out of the processes and policies that affect their lands, resources, and communities
6
. The Métis have also suffered from the effects of colonization, assimilation, and discrimination, which have resulted in the loss of 1.
Barman, Jean, and Mike Evans. "Reflections on being, and becoming, Métis in British Columbia."
BC Studies: 2.
Bell, Catherine. "Who are the Métis people in section 35 (2)."
Alta. L. Rev.
29 (2009): 351.
3.
Boisvert, David, and Keith Turnbull. "Who are the Métis?."
Studies in Political Economy
18, no. 1 (2019): 107-147.
4.
Logan, T., 2018. Settler colonialism in Canada and the Métis. In
Canada and Colonial Genocide
(pp. 69-88). Routledge.
5.
Peters, Evelyn J. "First Nations and Métis people and diversity in Canadian cities."
Belonging
(2007): 207-46.
6.
Sealey, D. Bruce, and Antoine S. Lussier. "The Metis: Canada's Forgotten People." (2020).
7.
Teillet, Beverley-Jean.
The Metis of the Northwest: Towards
4
their language, culture, and identity, and the deterioration of their health, education, and socio-
economic conditions.
The Métis are not a historical relic or a forgotten footnote in the history of Canada. They are a living and vibrant nation, with a proud and resilient culture, and a strong and diverse community. They are an integral part of the fabric and the identity of this country, and they have a right to be recognized, respected, and included in the decisions and actions that affect their lives and their future
6
. The Métis are not just a product of the French and the English, but a people of their own, with their own history, culture, language, and territory. They are not a minority, but a nation, with their own rights, interests, as well as aspirations. The Métis are not a problem, but a solution, with their own vision, values, and contributions. As a people, the Métis are not a part of Canada, but a partner, with their own voice, role, and place.
I urge you, the politicians and the representatives of the Canadian government, to listen to
the Métis, to learn from the Métis, and to work with the Métis
6
. Today, I encourage you to acknowledge the Métis as a distinct and equal nation, and to respect their rights and interests as an Indigenous people. I ask you to engage the Métis in meaningful consultation and collaboration, and to consider their perspectives and needs in your policies and programs. I remind you to support the Métis in their efforts to preserve and revitalize their culture and identity, and to improve their well-being and prosperity
7
. I urge you to celebrate the Métis as a valuable and vital part of the Canadian society, and to honour their history and contributions to this country and to recognize that Canada has not just two, but three founding nations — the French, the English, and the Métis. Thank you.
1.
Barman, Jean, and Mike Evans. "Reflections on being, and becoming, Métis in British Columbia."
BC Studies: 2.
Bell, Catherine. "Who are the Métis people in section 35 (2)."
Alta. L. Rev.
29 (2009): 351.
3.
Boisvert, David, and Keith Turnbull. "Who are the Métis?."
Studies in Political Economy
18, no. 1 (2019): 107-147.
4.
Logan, T., 2018. Settler colonialism in Canada and the Métis. In
Canada and Colonial Genocide
(pp. 69-88). Routledge.
5.
Peters, Evelyn J. "First Nations and Métis people and diversity in Canadian cities."
Belonging
(2007): 207-46.
6.
Sealey, D. Bruce, and Antoine S. Lussier. "The Metis: Canada's Forgotten People." (2020).
7.
Teillet, Beverley-Jean.
The Metis of the Northwest: Towards
5
Bibliography
1.
Barman, Jean, and Mike Evans. "Reflections on being, and becoming, Métis in British Columbia."
BC Studies: The British Columbian Quarterly
161 (2009): 59-91.
2.
Bell, Catherine. "Who are the Métis people in section 35 (2)."
Alta. L. Rev.
29 (1991): 351.
3.
Boisvert, David, and Keith Turnbull. "Who are the Métis?."
Studies in Political Economy
18, no. 1 (2023): 107-147.
4.
Logan, T., 2018. Settler colonialism in Canada and the Métis. In
Canada and Colonial Genocide
(pp. 69-88). Routledge.
5.
Peters, Evelyn J. "First Nations and Métis people and diversity in Canadian cities."
Belonging
(2023): 207-46.
6.
Sealey, D. Bruce, and Antoine S. Lussier. "The Metis: Canada's Forgotten People." (2020).
7.
Teillet, Beverley-Jean.
The Metis of the Northwest: Towards a Definition of a Rights-
Bearing Community for a Mobile People
. University of Toronto, 2008.
1.
Barman, Jean, and Mike Evans. "Reflections on being, and becoming, Métis in British Columbia."
BC Studies: 2.
Bell, Catherine. "Who are the Métis people in section 35 (2)."
Alta. L. Rev.
29 (2009): 351.
3.
Boisvert, David, and Keith Turnbull. "Who are the Métis?."
Studies in Political Economy
18, no. 1 (2019): 107-147.
4.
Logan, T., 2018. Settler colonialism in Canada and the Métis. In
Canada and Colonial Genocide
(pp. 69-88). Routledge.
5.
Peters, Evelyn J. "First Nations and Métis people and diversity in Canadian cities."
Belonging
(2007): 207-46.
6.
Sealey, D. Bruce, and Antoine S. Lussier. "The Metis: Canada's Forgotten People." (2020).
7.
Teillet, Beverley-Jean.
The Metis of the Northwest: Towards
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