10

Notebook:

Prompt (1): We are asked to honour these stories with open hearts and open minds.

Which part of the chapter stood out to you? What were your feelings as you read it?

The part that stood out personally was the forced nature of the assimilation; they were not simply pushed towards participating in an idea they were separate from but forced to change against their will to fit the land that was and arguably still is theirs. The ancient Romans, who found brutality as entertainment, allowed other cultures to exist under the pretense that all political power would be monopolized by the Romans. Yet, the colonials assumed and forced their ideals/beliefs on unwilling people. Reparations are owed and due for mistreatment and attempted cultural genocide of personal beliefs. An aspect mentioned in the article that caused me discomfort was the idea of poorly and even untrained personnel being responsible for children, allowing the management of youth to fall to, in many cases, hateful, non-educationally motivated leaders. The barrier to understanding was limited, and the reparations for errors seem to be aimed towards punishing, not educating. I can’t even imagine being torn from my family, history, culture and identity during a period of understanding and trust all to be abused under the guise of re-education all to feel isolated/ disassociated from your own people and family. The trust can likely never be repaid as lives and years can not be returned however we can improve and understand so we can avoid making these blatant and brutal mistakes that others must pay for with culture.

Prompt (2): Although we have discussed in this module how the colonial project sought to suppress Indigenous cultures, it is important to note that it also appropriates and adapts Indigenous cultures and “body movement practices” (75) as part of a larger endeavour to “make settlers Indigenous” (75). What does this look like? (write a few sentences)

Appropriating various works of art and clothing to which cultural understanding of native people is not the goal should be deterred as the symbolic and spiritual significance is being disrespected. This section references colonial power via claiming indigenous heritage as part of the settler dominated narrative. Further erasing indigenous sovereignty while creating a false sense of belonging to the land that was taken. The sentences mentioned reflect how settlers use mimicking culture as an attempt to root themselves with indigenous practices while disrespecting their cultural customs/beliefs.

Prompt (3): Make note of the many ways sport is considered medicine by the people interviewed in this video.

Lacrosse, Boxing, Soccer, Indian Baseball, Softball, Track and field are some of mentioned sports in the video and represent the value of sports as a productive and unifying factor while displaying the terror the indigenous people went through when being forced to attend residential schools.   

Key Words: Settler colonialism refers to a belief in ones cultural superiority and the spreading of that ideology mainly against the will of those who inhabit a given land. In the case of the first nations not only did we cause the dismemberment of the indigenous presence but we took it a step further taking the youth and reformatting their understand and cultural connection. The Indigenous people of North America we’re stolen from and further force indoctrinated into religious ideologies as a means of combating their belief structure as being uncivilized further causing a rift between the people of this land. We should all come together and create a unique society aimed at the betterment of all it’s citizens not just the majority in favor of the minority.

Prompt (4) : What does Waneek Horn-Miller mean when she says that the government is “trying but still approaching Indigenous sport development in a very colonial way”?

The interwoven racism that infects sports combined with the access for indigenous youth is limited and is hyper focused on replicating sports that are reflective of western views in which prioritizing our culture is seen as good where the native people are disregarded. More indigenous people should be given the option to participate in sports and choose which sports to associate with unbiased by the norms of Canada. Over the last couple centuries the indigenous people of this land have been treated as problems by the Canadian government allowing for many people not to have the same levels of access to sports and combined with the strong presence of blatant racism the barrier for entry is high and the reward is low.

Activity (1): How much freedom did you have to play as a child?

As a child freedom varies dependent on various factors personally I experienced the freedom to choose what time I could spend with my own time whereas sports and extracurriculars were forced upon me; not to say I lacked access to play a sport just that if it didn’t align with my parents view of valid it would be my complete responsibility. Context aside I believe that access and availability were always opened to me, however I would like to see that reflected for all people and all genders to express their interests without the fear of bias /racist discrimination.

Padlet Prompt: The sport that most Canadians associate as their game is Hockey and the cultural significance displayed when a national tournament or contest often has larger stakes as almost as a nation we appreciate the game. This does not disregard the blatant level of racism and sexism that existed even while I was growing up as it’s seen as part of the game where it shouldn’t be. Trash talk occurs in anything but the level of control is the barriers established and the penalty associated with a given action; there has not until recently been a social penalty for racists comments in the past and because of their laid back mindset the view has remained. Culture is a big part of being Canadian but the choice should be in the hands of the individual and an environment where people aren’t given the proper room to grow and succeed is flawed in nature. The nostalgia of waking up and going to play shinniny are some of my most fond memories which should be a fond memory for all people free from bias or prejudice as we can only see what we are capable of if we are given a chance. Symbols of teams and the Canadian national team logo ensue a form of patriotism and reflect the better parts of being Canadian.

Game-Map Final Assignment Link: https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/notebook/wp-admin/admin.php?page=h5p&task=show&id=47