Colonization has been a major debacle in almost every part of the world. The world, as we know it, is rich with culture, language, identity, and spirituality.
History of men, however, is filled with conflicting ideologies and principles that often times lead to intergenerational effects in the description and functioning of micro- to macro-units of our society. Conservation of identity, provision of tangible resource, safety and protection, land preservation, and power and privilege are some of the honours that Canada promised to the First Nations in colonization of their land and assimilation of their nation. It is similar to a politician lying to their voters just to be seated on power.
Reciprocity, equality, and trust were values damaged by the Canadian government and its affiliations in the forceful assimilating and colonial education of the Indigenous population. The impact is a multi-generational trauma in these societies encompassed by empty acknowledgements and lacklustre apologies.
What exactly is the purpose of education in a society?
This can be answered depending on the denomination or government that is providing the education to its desired population.
In the case of Canada and the First Nations, it was to assimilate these Indigenous communities in the ways of living of its colonizers, including the abandonment of their individual and social identity.
How does generations of people move on from this trauma, distrust, inequality, and egocentrism of the government and its denominations?
Schools are a huge component of a society. With Canada being more and more diverse, we ought to learn from the mistakes of the past by implementing anti-bias education, by eradicating systemic discrimination, and by highlighting the identities of each students, families, and their communities.
Educational policies and curriculum that are student-centric and avoidant of serving the needs of people in power and privilege is a fair promise for the future, to bring back the reciprocity, equality, and trust in every unit of our society.
References
ralvarez.ca 