Effects of colonization on aboriginal peoples of North America - Essay Example

The history of Canada shows that it might have had different geographic divisions if it were not for the influence and roles played by its aboriginal people on the land. As an example, Canada would not have existed and would have been part of the United States were it not for the crucial military role played by aboriginal populations in at least two significant historical events 2006). The aboriginal people formerly held sway and ownership over what we know today as Canada. This is an historical fact which is recognized by the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and other treaties between three British governments and the Sovereign Aboriginal nation.

These served as the basis for succeeding treaties. Ironically, it also gave the means by which Aboriginal land titles could be extinguished 2006). The Royal Proclamation of 1763 marked the beginning of efforts to remove the entire aboriginal peoples from their lands, resources and undermine their rights. This effort succeeded partly with military interventions but these armed conflicts were minimal compared to those waged in the United States. In contrast, American government efforts against aboriginal peoples policies and actions which were more militaristic.

In Canada, the government approach was characterized by the political process of assimilation 2006). Although it may seem that the aboriginal population of Canada were peacefully cooperating as allies and business partners, underneath the surface was a prevalence of apartheid, assimilation, ethnic cleansing, infractions on human rights, racism, and oppression, which marked the last 350 years of Canadian aboriginal history. Though on the receiving end of much suffering and prejudice, the aboriginal population played a crucial role in the establishment and confederation of Canada.

Aborigines were employed in military roles and their involvement during the attempts of the United States to annex Canada helped keep the balance in favor of the British. The Indian forces were also responsible for keeping Americans from succeeding in their persistent encroachments into Canada ( 2006). A modern society with a federal structure was established with the confederation of Canada in 1867. The initiative towards confederation began as early as 1858 and increased in pace in 1864 and 1866.

Although the confederation delegates went into extensive discussions to hammer out the details of confederation, there was no time when the First Nations were included in the talks. Neither were they consulted nor their future roles in the federation publicly acknowledged. Their future was determined unilaterally and as the first prime minister, Sir John MacDonald said, "to do away with the tribal system and assimilate the Indian people in all respects with the inhabitants of the Dominion" (GENOCIDE & ASSIMILATION: Canada's Aboriginal People experience "Ethnic cleansing - Canadian-Style !

" http://offreserve.tripod.com/articles.html). This was consistent with the British Empire's task of carrying the "white man's burden". This is to mean the civilizing of indigenous peoples within the empire, may they be Indian, Maori, Zulu, etc. The "white man's burden" also serves as the justification for the annexation of the lands and resources of these indigenous populations. For Victorian