Canada's collective failure to realize the discrimination of Indigenous peoples and the ignorance of their problems in an evolving society
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A common assumption made by Canadians is that since we have apologized and given them substantial compensation the Indigenous people were gifted a "free ride". That is quite simply not the case. They face greater problems in most negative aspects on all levels. Their education system is flawed and their housing/living conditions are weak. They are still not seen as equal in society and it is beyond devastating for a people who have fought so hard. The media underlines the great things we have done but leaves out the progress still required to a prosperous life for all.
A hard hitting myth and idea pushed upon everyone in Canada has to do with residential schools. They are not a part of "ancient history" or a simple "mistake" in our history as a country. This was a crisis, a huge problem in our past. We did abolish all schools and any system like it but the effects of them and the impact of them are long-lasting and devastatingly emotional to many family members of survivors and survivors themselves. It is nothing to be brushed off the shoulder like nothing. We changed lives, unnecessarily because we perceived them as a threat and didn't accept pur diversity.
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Another misunderstood concept of Indigenous culture is their tax break. It is not a complete break from all taxes everywhere, all the time. It is simply a lesser amount of places where tax being payed is required. Most has to do with reserves and if it is on one or not when anything is purchased. They truly deserve a certain amount of leeway as we invaded their land, took over and subjected them to horrifying moments and a wiping of their culture. The Indigenous people are in no way exempt from all taxes and still pay plenty in needed areas. Goods and services both have specific situations where a person must pay taxes. It is reinforced that status Indians are given the break simply out of pity. This was their land before ours. It is sacred and must be treated that way
The most displayed messages on social media and news are actually false images of Indigenous living their lives out. Comic strips and photos cover the newspapers. The false images are plastered as if they are the actual thing. Sports teams use racist names and logos to advertise themselves as a franchise. They steal the identity of many people and take sacred garments and words. They spin them into a team name and identity which is no-where near comparable in magnitude of importance.
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