A1: Indigenous Peoples: A Brief History
For many of us, information contained in history books is considered an accurate reflection of our past. But what happens when that information is not factual or true? What happens when history reflects the perspective of “those who held the most power [and] chose the stories that were to become a part of history” (Johnson, n.d., para 2). What happens when history is used as a tool of the powerful to justify and retain power? Canadian history, as told by history books, has “discounted, ignored, and erased from history” (Johnson, n.d., para 2) the existence and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This chapter looks to the seldom acknowledged vibrant life being lived on Turtle Island long before colonization by Europeans. If we are to understand the present, it is important to have more than the colonizers’ version of history.
Pre-Colonial Contact
Typically, for decades, the Canadian history shared and taught began with colonization — with explorers and adventurers discovering a vast land that was sparsely populated by savages. Thankfully, that narrative is beginning to change. What can be said though with certainty about what life was like on Turtle Island before colonization?
Given the vastness and climate diversity of the land now known as Canada, it is important to consider how the way of life would have differed for people living in different regions of this land. One of the things that would have been common though is a connection to water not just for survival, but as a significant cultural signifier. The traditions and ways of life of the many nations across Turtle Island were influenced by the water features near them.
A lot of what is known about the way of life on Turtle Island pre-contact comes from the archeological evidence, but also from the journals and reports of the early colonists. We know that plants were being used for medicinal purposes, maple sugaring was common, and corn, beans, squash, rice, and other vegetables were being harvested.
Pan-Indigenizing, making overarching statements that apply to all Indigenous people, is problematic. This is especially the case when it comes to governance and leadership. From the stories and traditions that have been passed down, some communities were hierarchical, either with patriarchal or matriarchal leadership, while others relied solely on the circle governance model of all voices being heard in decision-making. It is also known that Two-Spirit people were highly revered and looked to for guidance as they hold the gifts of both genders and can see things from more than one gender viewpoint.
One final element of life to mention here is that of cooperation and sharing. Many alliances, confederacies, and treaties between nations were held long before colonization. These were always undertaken in the spirit of cooperation, the sharing of resources, trade, and peace.
For a detailed look at what is known about the way of life pre-contact, see: The Stan