Anishinaabe Social Movements - Essay Example

7th April Anishinabe social movements Introduction Anishinabe call themselves the “first” or “original people”. They are also referred to as Ojibwa. The names that they are called including Ojibwa and Chippewa come from French merchants who traded in Canada. All the merchants like British and United States governments signed treaties with different names. During the signing of treaties, Ojibwa was given more than 70 names. Different individuals thought that the name Ojibwa came from “puckered” or moccasin. Others thought it came from “pictograph” since Anishinabe used written language to explain the pictures and symbols. Ojibwa are the residents of Northeastern North America. According to the census that was conducted in 1990, they were approximated to be 104,000.Comparing with an estimated figure in the mid-seventeenth century that was only 35,000 shows that the group has been increasing. Legends indicate that Ojibwa lived in the surrounding of Saint Lawrence River. Later in 1660. Ojibwa migrated westward having a well-established vision of the sacred Miigis or floating seashell. Religion, I think was of great significance for the group. After migration, Anishinabe was divided into three groups. Potawatomi expanded to the South and settled in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The second group was Ottawa, who extended to the north of Lake Huron while Ojibwa settled in eastern of Lake Superior. One of the issues that Ojibwa fought for was the trade in 1650 to 1680. The warfare and the migration of Ojibwa affected the group way of life. The fur trade that the Europeans and Ojibwa were interested in changed the life of the native group. For example, there was an introduction of modern tools and weapons in the lives of the Anishinabe. The introduction of the fur trade made the Ojibwa to be fully occupied in their lives since they were relying on the goods that were from Europeans. To my view, it seems fur trade made the native group spend their time and energy on the new trade. While they were trading, other activities were introduced, for example, pottery making, basket weaving, and embroidery. The activities balanced the life of the growing Ojibwa population. The issue of unemployment was achieved since the Ojibwa were fully committed to trade and others were introduced in pottery making, basket weaving, and embroidery among others. Trade rivalries increased as the French, Dutch and British were interested in the fur trade (Burke 56). The fur-bearing animals that made the trade be successful were scarce due to the demand. This made tribes be against each other since the white allies demanded fur, and thus they had to raid one another. I think the issue of tribes attacking each other was encouraged by Europeans, French and the British since the aim was economically to develop Ojibwa and other groups that had to depend on the trade. The activities that were introduced during the early 18th century up to date have lead to the reduction of the unemployment rate. Since the Europeans, French and British were interested in trade with the Anishinabe and to colonize the whole region of Northern eastern of the America, they were in large numbers. Ojibwa were among the indigenous group who were fighting the colonial masters so that they can be gain independence. The Europeans had started farming, and they were growing rice in large plantations. The Ojibwa and other tribes are the ones who were employed in the rice plantations. Since the Europeans were interested in the fur trade and the region was very cold in the winter season they could exchange rice and fur or with other commodities. The Europeans took advantage of the Ojibwa, and they started to humiliate the group by forcing them to work in their plantations. The Ojibwa fought for their right and to work in good working conditions like the Europeans and the French. They fought for the workers right, proper working conditions, compensation if an accident happened or injury when working. Other issues that were beneficial to Ojibwa were that there was the introduction of modern health facilities, for example, hospitals that had improved medical treatment that were not available. Ojibwa in 18th century depended on the local herbal medicine since they depended on hunting they used to look for medicinal plants to combat diseases. When the Europeans, French and British showed their interest in the region, it meant that improved health facilities were to be introduced due to the climate changes in other aspects. Since agriculture was not possible to practice in North America due to soil and climate, factories were introduced so that native groups could be employed. The Europeans later came with the method to improve the soils where they started growing of rice. The working conditions in the factories were pathetic. Ojibwa also fought for improved working conditions in those factories so that the workers could be granted their rights. I think that was a good mover given the human right denial that existed. The Europeans, French and British had an interest of Ojibwa, and this implied rivalry had to increase so that one of them could control Ojibwa. The renewal of treaties helped Ojibwa to fight for the women movement. Though the leadership was seen, the religious meeting women were not considered as individuals who could lead. The aim of the movement was to make women, men, and children to maintain solidarity. They were taught that the movement was greater, and they were supposed to respect each and everyone who was a leader. In 1812, the Britain and United States were engaged in the war, and the aim was to maintain equal rights for all in the society. Women in many circumstances have been neglected in leadership for example in the case of Ojibwa they were not included in the leadership. It implies that even if a woman has the capability to be a leader she cannot be supported by the government simply because of her gender. Ojibwa community had to fight for this, so that women were given power to rule and be leaders, for example, the United States when they signed treaties with the Britain and with the native communities women were encouraged to be leaders like men. Ojibwa in the 18th century were under the colonial masters like the Europeans, French and Britain, and thus they did not have right to vote and elect their leaders. They were never represented by their leaders based on the fact they had not been given independence. After the struggle, they were granted the right to vote like the other Europeans, French and Britain. Conclusion Currently, it seems that Anishinabe has the right to vote like other democratic nations. They are individuals from Canada and United States, who advocate for human rights. They speak English, and their native language is Ojibwe. United States advocates for democracy and thus women’s who could not vote or be represented have been given the chance to be leaders. Voting is a right of the residents to choose among the many individuals who are eligible. Discrimination on basis of gender has been considered, and equal opportunity for all is based on competence. The signing of treaties in the region helps the native group since the treaties are for mutual benefit. It is important to stand together for a better world so that challenges like terrorism that is a global epidemic worldwide can be curbed. Once a nation is divided, we note that implies that internal and external threats are going to destroy the nation but when individuals stand as one they cannot be defeated. For a country to be productive in terms of agriculture, import and exports there is the need to work as team to achieve the goals set. Works Cited Burke, E. The Works of the Right Honorable Edmund Burke. Boston: Little, Brown, 1965. Print. Read More