First Nations

Just because I am First Nations…

Aboriginal, corporate social responsibility, First Nations, Invisible glass ceiling, UWO Leave a comment

I am writing this post because of a few things I have experienced in my life… mainly to do with school and work.

I have had my fair share of interviews, since having my first job when I was 15 years old. Some of the jobs I didn’t even have to have an interview. Some of them, I just had to introduce myself, answer a few questions and then I was hired. If I can remember one interview, I wasn’t asked any particular question about my background or my ethnic origins. However on my first day of employment, I was called into the boss’s office and told to sit down. My heart was beating. I had no idea what I did. My boss proceeded to tell me how lucky she was to have me…I remember her specifically saying:

We are so lucky to have you on our team. As soon as we found out you were Aboriginal, we just had to hire you

Being the shy, quiet girl I used to be, I didn’t really say anything except giggle a little and say thanks. I wish I knew better. I should have spoken up. This was a government job and someone was saying that they hired me because I was Aboriginal (is how I took it after wards and how I still interpret it) is just…wrong. Some people say, that I should be happy and should just let it slide. Honestly, who says that in any type of professional position? That is all I want answered.

That was when I was 17 years old.

Today, I am attending The University of Western Ontario. A big university. A diverse university. I am constantly reminded that other people look at me as a “First Nations student” whenever they ask me what I am studying, and before I can even answer they butt in…

Are you studying First Nations?

Ummm no, and just because I am First Nations does not mean I am studying First Nations [in fact, I don’t think I should have to study First Nations in order to get a minor in it on my degree–I think growing up on a First Nation, up north, just outside a predominantly white small-sized city is good enough to know what the issues First Nations people face… Okay maybe that last statement is a bit ignorant..the issues that First Nations people face are complex and vary across the board–I think a First Nations introduction course should be required to attend this university and I only say this because we are surrounded by three First Nations that I know of… and with many more close by (give or take a few hours).] In fact that should be required for any university or college in Canada.

Another experience here on campus, I just recently had an interview for a position. I didn’t get the position (and I am not upset…I am most certain they have picked the most appropriate person for the position). However, yet again, I felt like as if here I was again in another sticky situation where someone suggested something to me… This person suggested that I apply for the First Nations position because they said:

I know you are very passionate in this area and I think it would be a great fit for you

After reading that, yes I was upset, and I am sure this person meant no harm in suggesting it (and perhaps maybe I might apply for this position.. maybe I might not.) However, I wanted to send an email back, but I didn’t as I knew what I wanted to say wouldn’t come out right. I took a few deep breathes. Closed the email and didn’t return to it until later (**Ahem** Later would be today).

I know someone might think that I am being a little to overly sensitive with these experiences but really, I feel like as if I was generalized, and that by through each of these experiences I feel like that there is this “Invisible glass ceiling” that I must break through if I want to get anywhere that goes beyond people looking at me as the “First Nation” employee or “First Nation” student.

I am proud of who I am and I know why those positions or opportunities are created (Classic case of Corporate Social Responsibility or giving proper representation to a certain marginalized group) But what if a First Nation’s person, whether employee or student, wants to go for something that is beyond the “First Nations” position or “First Nations” area of study or “First Nations” label… will that “Invisible Glass Ceiling” always exist?

Just because I am First Nations does not mean I want your First Nations position.

Indians vs Natives vs Aboriginals vs First Nations

Aboriginals, American Indian, AP style, First Nations, Indians, Natives Leave a comment

Question on how to refer to "Aboriginals"A message I received on twitter.

I replied that it depends on what you are writing about and what you are referring to (To me it doesn’t matter, what does matter is the context ie-racially motivated use of the word “Indian” will be hurtful but if someone just misuses it…don’t cause an uproar over it). I know this explanation sounds kind of confusing but let me elaborate a bit more.

If you are writing about an organization that refers to Aboriginals as First Nations people, use the term First Nations peoples. If you are writing about Aboriginals and are referring to a bunch of organizations and each of your sources use different terms, pick the one that is most used out of the sources (say one source uses Aboriginal, one uses Indian, and four use First Nations… use First Nations).

However, sometimes the context in which these are used sometimes matters too. If someone is referring to Indians in a racially motivated context (ie-racism, stereotyping), then the use of the term Indian should be avoided when you are talking about this context/term/group of people. In a historical, social, and political context as well, avoid the use of the term Indian.

So, you should avoid using Indian at all (in my opinion). My preference is: doesn’t matter, just as long as you are not being hurtful or spiteful towards me. I refer to myself as Native, Three-Fires, Aboriginal…. but it doesn’t matter. Like I said in my profile attached to this blog,

Note to readers: I use the terms, Aboriginal, Native, First Nations, Indian, interchangeably. I am not bothered by either one. If you are bothered by any one of these words and you belong to this “ethnic group”, you are forewarned. This is just writings about my experiences as a young First Nations Female, and not meant to marginalize this group any further. Additionally, this is not a blog reflective of my personality or character, just my experiences as a young Aboriginal Female in Canadian Society.

Update: if you are going to write about a specific group of Aboriginals, like Ojibwe or Cree, refer to those groups as they wish to be referred to as (not sure or can’t ask around, use the terms they use in your sources).

Canadian Government & Indian Smokes

Aboriginals, Canadian Government, contraband cigarettes, Drug trafficking, First Nations, Indian Smokes, The Gazette, University of Western Ontario Leave a comment
Canada Government Advertisement
Canadian Government ad

These two above pictures are from an advertisement from a newspaper.

It advertises that you should not by “Contraband Cigarettes” because it will fuel other activities, like trafficking of drugs. Looking at the advertisement and the cigarettes in the picture, it looks like to me a big, giant bag of Indian Smokes. The issue with that is non-First Nations members are going to the First Nations and buying the smokes. I know, there should be some sort of type of filtering in place. There usually is: show your status card and you can buy the smokes. Doesn’t always happen like that.

Read this Globe and Mail article titled Illegal Smokes Hit All-Time High.

The main source for illegal smokes: Natives.

The suggestion: Outlaw all the materials that it takes to make illegal smokes (well, I am sure with some exception).

However, as an Aboriginal, tobacco is widely used at traditional ceremonies. Sometimes the attendance at these ceremonies is in the 100s. I don’t know the extent of this suggestion or if any bills were put in place to help counter the sales of contraband cigarettes. But suggestions like the one above does not take into account that Aboriginal culture still uses tobacco. No, there is no such thing as a peace pipe (That was purely made up for Hollywood Movies. Check out my post titled Documentary: Reel Injun for other facts about Aboriginals and Hollywood). No we don’t just sit around a fire and smoke tobacco all day. The tobacco in the Aboriginal culture is very sacred and is used in various settings. Yes, it can be smoked, but it is not always smoked. Sometimes it is just passed on from one person to another as a form of gratitude.

Tobacco in the Aboriginal culture is very sacred.

I think when people begin to associate “Indian Smokes” with Aboriginals, it takes away from this sacredness. But don’t let the misconceptions fool you. We still use it for ceremonial purposes. Not every Aboriginal smokes tobacco either. I am Aboriginal, and I use tobacco but do not smoke it.

Anyways back to the advertisements, I am not impressed. I am not impressed because in the advertisement it says:

“Do Not Buy Contraband Cigarettes….it fuels criminal activity, such as the trafficking of drugs…”

Thanks Canadian Government, once again. I thought you were trying to improve your relationships with Aboriginals. This ad is a step backwards because it associates contraband smokes, the abundant of them found on First Nations (as stated in the Globe and Mail article) or it associates the Indian Smokes with “drug trafficking.”

What does that mean for Aboriginals: it makes the assumption that drug trafficking happens in great numbers on First Nations (Because isn’t it after all the contraband smokes that come from First Nations. As a logical person, one might begin to think: Aboriginals must also be fueling the criminal activity, such as that as drug trafficking).

My suggestion to the problem: Why not make all cigarettes illegal, and not just the ones made mostly on Canadian First Nations?

Thank you Canadian Government. You’ve done a lovely job, yet again…

Update: This advertisement was found in the UWO Gazette on page 4. Their Style Issue. Volume 104, Issue 87. Don’t worry Gazette, I get it… You have to cover costs through advertisements. Thanks for making this school newspaper free for all readers at UWO.

Have women benefited from globalization & an anonymous poem

Aboriginal women, Aboriginals, colonization, First Nations, Globalization, Land rights, Natural resources, Poetry Leave a comment

For my political science class, I am currently working on my essay and I have to answer the question: Has globalization benefited women?

From my research I am finding that, no Aboriginal women have not benefited from globalization. Maybe there has been a few benefits but I am noticing that the effects of globalization have the same effects as colonization on Aboriginal people/women: oppression, marginalization, exploitation. The only difference between the two is that colonization is where the government restricted the Aboriginal People’s access to their natural resources to a confined area aka reserves and that globalization is where the government is trying to gain access to the Aboriginal people’s natural resources on their reserves.

After reading all my research, I came across this poem I wrote and it sort of sums up what is happening to Aboriginal women in Canada not just because of globalization, but also colonization.

When I was 18,
I moved away from home.
When I was 18,
I had my first relationship.
When I was 18,
I fell in love.
When I was 18,
The man I loved,
Pushed me, hit me, spat on me,
Had his way with me.
When I was 18,
I tried to fight off the man I love.
When I was 18,
I was arrested.
They call it assault.
I call it self-defense.
When I was 18,
I was called a bitch,
By my arresting officer.
When I was 18,
I tried to run.
From the police.
From those that loved me,
Even the man that hurt me.
The same one who had his way with me.
When I was 18,
I tried to kill myself.
When I was 18,
I even failed at suicide.
When I was 18,
I had sex for the first time..for money.
When I was 18,
I trusted all the wrong people.
When I was 18,
I was Aboriginal.
When I was 18,
I was female.
When I was 18,
I was still young.
When I was 18…

I get everything for free!

Aboriginal Rights, Canada, First Nations, Government, tax exemption, taxpayers Leave a comment

NOT! I don’t get everything for free. It comes with a price. Not even a real price. Read my post titled Tax Exemption.

In that post, I discuss some of my shopping adventures and the best place to shop in London, Ontario if you want to declare tax exemption for all my fellow Aboriginal readers.

There is this misconception that Natives “get everything for free” or that we “don’t pay taxes… ever.” Who ever is spreading these misconceptions I would like to speak with them, whether they are Native or not. Don’t believe them! Stop right now. Get those ideas and misconceptions out of your head.

I pay taxes and I am a full-blooded aka status Native. Yes, I receive tax-exemption benefits, but only on products and services located off the reserve, and only because I have my status–which some Natives don’t have. I only receive this right when I have my reserve address for some businesses too–hmmm just another reason to keeping Indians on the reserve.

If you have a problem with this tax-exemption status, then maybe you can write to the government that Natives shouldn’t be allowed to have tax-exemption status. You say the government will never listen, don’t worry most Natives come across this problem to when they fight to maintain their rights. So maybe you should ask yourself, what are you fighting for? That you don’t agree with our rights? Time to re-think that argument of yours.

Hmmm, next time you think that Natives “get everything for free” or that “we don’t pay taxes”… Think again. I dread tax season just like you. I get a GST/HST/what-ST cheque too! That means I PAY TAXES TOO!

Public Relations and First Nations

First Nations, Globe and Mail, Public Relations, Reputation, Social Media Leave a comment

I believe that many First Nations communities can benefit from investing into Public Relations within their community.

In response to researching reputation, Forbes article on Reputation management, I found this article called The 11 Unwritten Laws of Reputation Management. I also came across a blog on Facebook, found on TBK Creative’s website (Click HERE to view it).

There is one thing that both articles/blogs have in common. This commonality is this: if you don’t create or make your own reputation, others will create it for you. I believe that if First Nations communities (specifically their Chiefs and Councils), the ones with the resources and people power, begin to invest or at least learn the ins-and-outs of “reputation management” or “public relations” or “social media,” First Nations communities may just begin to be seen in a more positive light. Sounds good. But what does this mean? Well, as a First Nations member, I have heard or witness a variety of things relating to the perception of First Nations people by other First Nations or Non-First Nations. Some of these things are good, or positive. Others, not so positive (negative).

If First Nations can create their own reputation, why not? Instead of letting the general Canadian population do it for them. This type of behavior can be witnessed on any discussions/replies in response to Globe and Mail articles that focus on Aboriginal issues. Some of the uneducated comments that were alive 25 years ago, are still alive today. It saddens me.

If First Nations take the step forward by learning the benefits of investing into public relations, they may be able to better their own reputation within Canadian Society and perhaps garden and grow some positive public responses to their issues and needs.

This is just my opinion.

I know that not all First Nations have the resources or people power to put time and effort into this type of thing. Yet, I believe team work is key. Please read my post titled 1/2 The Solution on my opinion on having First Nations working together to help one another.

First Nation & Post-Secondary Education: My Experience

Education, First Nations Leave a comment

Today, I attend the University of Western Ontario. I am a first year student. I try my best to stay involved–maintain my social life and maintain my grades.

There are many things that I have overcome since my entry into this university. I feel very blessed to be at this university. Someone told me that they didn’t get in on the first time they applied. I got in, first try. I am not telling you this because I want to wave it around and brag about it in front of your face. I share this because I am proud of this.

Before going to university, I did three years of college. I excelled at college. I worked hard for A-level grades and tutored fellow peers. I wish I was more involved though with the rest of the student body.

I am very thankful that I am allowed to study at this university. I am very thankful for the funding that I receive. However, I also work part-time to help pay the bills/rent. I also receive a lot of help as a student with a learning disability. This disability isn’t necessarily a “learning disability,” it is an acquired disability. I have an acquired brain injury. I am thankful to be a survivor. You can read about this more in my Acquired Brain Injury post.

From both college and university, I am most thankful for the First Nation services and assistance that both institutions provided. Without these resources, I would feel lost. By lost, I don’t mean that I wouldn’t know where to find a building on campus. What I mean by lost has a more deeper meaning.

The issues that First Nations and their First Nations students face when going to school are very complex. In my experience, it is somewhat of a culture shock. Nobody tells you what to expect. Nobody tells you that the things you might hear people say, may make you angry, or may make you cry and that nobody will understand why hearing those things make you angry or cry. Nobody tells you that it’s okay to share your knowledge. Nobody tells you that it’s okay to stand up for yourself (but that you have to do it with tact and class). Nobody tells you that it’s okay to ask questions and that it’s okay to not know everything about being Native.

At the university I go to, I was told that it’s not my duty to know everything about being Native. I was told that I can ask questions at anytime and if they didn’t have the answer, they would help me find the answer. I was told that I only have to educate others on what I know, and that I would be supported in this.

It is the counseling I receive from First Nations services, from people who know and understand the issues that First Nations and First Nations students face, that helps me to be successful. It is this understanding from First Nations services, that helps me to not feel so lost. This is why I feel valued. It is these people and the services that this center provides that helps me to be successful.

Inferior races

Extinction, First Nations, Totalitarianism Leave a comment

I am writing a paper for my Totalitarianism class. I chose to do Social Darwinism.

I am debating about changing the topic because I am… well, angry.

In many of my papers I am reading, quite a few of them say, simply put, Inferior races get in the way of progress and American Indians are included in the inferior races.

I wouldn’t agree that this way of thinking is in anyway “progressive.” This way of thinking is quite limiting.

Researching for this paper, I am constantly reminded of something someone said at a traditional ceremony, “By the year 2000, Indians were supposed to be extinct.” Imagine that. Extinct. I wrote about this earlier in a different post titled, Extinction.

Definitely going to remove myself past this emotion, and drive all of it into the efforts of my paper. I am going to rock this paper!

Education

Canada, Education, First Nations Leave a comment

On my campus there is a Blue Chair Campaign.

This campaign I fully support and appreciate.

Unfortunately, because of this campaign I am reminded of the issues that Aboriginals face regarding education (which the campaign strives to bring attention to as mentioned on their site).

One of the misconceptions that people have about Aboriginals and education is that “we get everything for free.” No. It’s not like that. For my reservation, it works like a scholarship, and we can only take education in a forward fashion (meaning I can’t go to university and then decide to go to college). Some reservations, don’t even receive adequate funding to help with post-secondary pursuits. So, no, education is not free.

This also reminds me of the fact that many other young Aboriginals do not even have access to high school education IN CANADA! At my high school every year, there were a group of Aboriginal students that were “shipped down” from their reserve to attend high school in a “urbanized centre.” My hometown isn’t all that big, but to go from a town of only a few hundred, surrounded by your family since birth and then “shipped” to another region by a train and/or a plane ride away can be quite traumatizing (culture shock) for some. This is what goes on in Canada for Aboriginal students at the high-school level. They don’t even have access to high school education in their community. They have to live with a strange family in a strange community for four years, and some only for one year because they never return after the first. So, no, Aboriginals don’t get education for free.

This also reminds me of the stories I would hear when I was younger about northern community schools lacking heating and water systems. Some of these schools had to be shut down for a periods of time because of the lack of safety for students in the community (gas leaks, bad/leaky roof tops, no heat). This makes me sad when I think about this. Those children experienced elementary education with enough interruptions to cause delays in learning/education. So, no, Aboriginals don’t get everything for free.

I hope that when people see this blue chair campaign that it is not just post-secondary education that can’t be accessed in Canada. For some it was high school. For others it was a warm elementary school.

Sign here: _____X____

Canada, First Nations, History Leave a comment

I am going to start signing all my legal documents to the government with an “x”. If some of the past Aboriginal chiefs did it when signing treaties with the government, why can’t I do it today? Oh wait, signing an “x” means the government won’t be able actual know it was ME who signed it (you know, they care about my identity and the possibility of it being stolen… yeah, right) and it also tells the government that I don’t have “literacy” skills.

So, why was an “x” sufficient back then?