Indigenous peoples have been an integral part of the fabric of Canada, shaping its history, culture, and society in profound ways. Their contributions, often overlooked or underappreciated, have left an indelible mark on the nation, influencing everything from its political structures to its culinary traditions. This article, "Stories of Indigenous Influence," seeks to shed light on the stories of Indigenous individuals who have made significant contributions to Canadian society. By doing so, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures and their enduring impact on Canada.
Long before the arrival of Europeans, Indigenous peoples thrived across the vast expanse of what is now known as Canada. They developed complex societies, each with its unique traditions, customs, and ways of life. Their knowledge and innovations, born out of intimate relationships with the land, have left a lasting legacy that continues to shape Canadian society.
Indigenous peoples have a long and storied history of service in the Canadian military. Their contributions, particularly during the First and Second World Wars, have been significant and have left an indelible mark on Canada's military history.
During the First World War, approximately 4,000 Indigenous men enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. This was a remarkable number given the population of Indigenous peoples at the time. Indigenous soldiers served in various capacities, from infantrymen to snipers, and their bravery and skill were widely recognized. Francis Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwa soldier, was one of the most decorated Indigenous soldiers in the First World War. He was awarded the Military Medal and two bars for bravery in Belgium and France.
The participation of Indigenous peoples in the Second World War was even more significant. It is estimated that more than 3,000 First Nations members alone served in the armed forces during this period. Indigenous soldiers served in every theatre of the war and in every branch of the Canadian military. Tommy Prince, a member of the Brokenhead Ojibwa Nation, was one of Canada's most decorated Indigenous soldiers. He was awarded several medals for his service, including the Military Medal and the Silver Star, an American decoration for gallantry in action.
The contributions of Indigenous peoples to the Canadian military did not end with the World Wars. Indigenous men and women have continued to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the world. Today, the Canadian Armed Forces continue to recognize and honor the service of Indigenous members through various initiatives, including the Aboriginal Entry Program, which provides Indigenous recruits with cultural support and training.
Indigenous peoples have significantly influenced Canadian democracy. Their political cultures and systems of governance have shaped the country's political landscape in profound ways.
The political structures of Indigenous nations, particularly those of the Iroquois Confederacy, have influenced the development of Canadian democracy. The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, was a sophisticated political alliance among five (later six) Indigenous nations in what is now the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The Confederacy had a democratic system of governance that included principles such as the rule of law, checks and balances, and the separation of powers. These principles have been integral to the development of Canadian democracy.
Indigenous peoples have also played a significant role in shaping the constitutional landscape of Canada. They have fought for the recognition and protection of their rights within the Canadian constitution. The inclusion of Section 35 in the Constitution Act, 1982, which recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights, is a testament to these efforts.
Today, Indigenous peoples continue to influence Canadian democracy through their active participation in political life. Indigenous leaders serve at all levels of government, from local councils to the federal parliament. They continue to advocate for Indigenous rights and interests, contributing to the ongoing evolution of Canadian democracy.
In conclusion, the contributions of Indigenous peoples to the Canadian military and democracy have been significant and enduring. Their bravery and skill in the military have left a lasting legacy, while their influence on Canadian democracy has shaped the country's political landscape in profound ways. Recognizing and celebrating these contributions is crucial to fostering mutual respect and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
Indigenous peoples have made significant contributions to Canadian cuisine, with their knowledge of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods shaping the country's food culture.
Indigenous peoples have long relied on the land and water to provide food. They hunted, fished, gathered, and farmed, using what was locally available. This included game like moose, deer, and rabbit; fish like salmon and trout; and a wide variety of berries, nuts, and edible plants. Some of the most common traditional foods include bannock, a type of bread, and pemmican, a high-energy food made from dried meat and berries (Kuhnlein, H. V., & Turner, N. J., 1991).
Indigenous peoples have also contributed to Canadian cuisine through their sustainable food practices. They have a deep respect for the land and its resources, and their food practices often involve sustainable hunting, fishing, and farming methods. For example, many Indigenous communities practiced controlled burns to renew growth and attract game, and they carefully managed berry patches to ensure they would continue to produce year after year (Kimmerer, R. W., 2013).
Today, Indigenous influences can be seen in modern Canadian cuisine. Many chefs are now incorporating traditional Indigenous ingredients and cooking methods into their dishes. For example, some restaurants now serve bison, a traditional Indigenous food, and use cedar planks for cooking fish, a method used by many Indigenous cultures. There has also been a resurgence in interest in foraging for wild foods, a practice that has long been part of Indigenous cultures (Kuhnlein, H. V., & Turner, N. J., 1991).
Indigenous peoples have also made significant contributions to science and technology in Canada. Their traditional knowledge and perspectives have greatly enriched scientific understanding and technological innovation.
Indigenous science incorporates traditional knowledge and Indigenous perspectives, while non-Indigenous scientific approaches are commonly recognized as Western science. Together, they contribute substantially to modern science. Indigenous perspectives are holistic and founded upon interconnectedness, reciprocity, and the utmost respect for nature. Both Western and Indigenous science approaches and perspectives have their strengths and can greatly complement one another (Popp, J., 2018).
Indigenous knowledge about the medicinal properties of plants has been instrumental in pharmacological development. For example, the active ingredient in the pain reliever Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, was first discovered by Indigenous people who utilized the bark of the willow tree (Popp, J., 2018).
Indigenous peoples have been responsible for many technological innovations. For example, the canoe, kayak, toboggan, and snowshoe, which aided in travel and transport, were quickly adapted by European settlers (Popp, J., 2018).
The Indigenous Science Division at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is an Indigenous-led division created to advance reconciliation in ECCC’s science and research activities. The division aims to bridge, braid, and weave Indigenous science with western science approaches to inform and enhance decision-making (Indigenous science - Canada.ca, 2022).
Indigenous peoples have significantly contributed to the richness of Canadian arts and culture. Their unique artistic expressions have been deeply rooted in their traditions, spirituality, and worldview, reflecting their profound connection with the land, nature, and their ancestors.
Indigenous visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and printmaking, have been a vibrant part of Canadian culture. For instance, the Inuit people of the Arctic regions are renowned for their intricate soapstone carvings, depicting animals, humans, and scenes from their folklore. These artworks not only serve as a form of creative expression but also as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge across generations (Neilson & Ćirković, 2021).
Indigenous performing arts, such as music, dance, and theatre, have also played a significant role in Canadian culture. Traditional Indigenous music, often accompanied by drums and rattles, is an integral part of ceremonies, storytelling, and communal gatherings. Powwows, a type of event where Indigenous peoples gather to dance, sing, socialize, and honor their cultures, are a testament to the vibrancy of Indigenous performing arts.
Indigenous peoples have a rich oral tradition, with stories often passed down from generation to generation. These stories, imbued with moral lessons and spiritual teachings, have significantly influenced Canadian literature. Indigenous authors, such as Thomas King and Eden Robinson, have gained national and international recognition for their works that weave together Indigenous traditions with contemporary themes.
Indigenous peoples continue to shape Canadian society in various ways, from advocating for their rights and sovereignty to contributing to various fields such as science, technology, and environmental conservation.
Indigenous peoples have been at the forefront of advocating for their rights, sovereignty, and recognition of their treaties. Their efforts have led to significant developments, such as the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which affirms the fundamental importance of the right to self-determination of all peoples (United Nations, 2007).
Indigenous knowledge systems, deeply rooted in a holistic understanding of the environment and sustainable practices, are increasingly recognized for their potential to address contemporary challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. For instance, Indigenous practices of land and resource management have been shown to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources (Neilson et al., 2019).
Indigenous peoples are also making significant contributions to science and technology. For example, Indigenous researchers are developing innovative approaches to address environmental challenges. In the field of oil sands reclamation, Indigenous scientists have developed a stoichiometric model to predict methane emissions, helping to mitigate environmental impacts (Kong et al., 2019).
The future influence of Indigenous peoples in Canada is closely tied to the well-being and success of Indigenous youth. Efforts are underway to address health and educational disparities faced by Indigenous children and to provide them with culturally relevant learning opportunities. For instance, initiatives like the Native Skywatchers program aim to revitalize Indigenous knowledge and promote STEM engagement among Indigenous youth (Lee et al., 2019).
The contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society are vast and varied, spanning across numerous fields such as history, military, democracy, cuisine, science, technology, arts, and culture. These contributions have not only shaped the country's identity but have also enriched its diversity, resilience, and vibrancy.
Indigenous peoples have played a significant role in shaping Canada's history, from their early interactions with European settlers to their ongoing efforts to assert their rights and sovereignty. Their participation in the military has been marked by courage, skill, and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on Canada's military history. In the realm of democracy, Indigenous political structures and principles have influenced the development of Canadian democracy, contributing to its richness and diversity.
The influence of Indigenous peoples is also evident in Canadian cuisine, which has been shaped by their knowledge of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Their sustainable food practices reflect their deep respect for the land and its resources, offering valuable lessons in sustainability and conservation.
In the field of science and technology, Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives have greatly enriched scientific understanding and technological innovation. From their knowledge about the medicinal properties of plants to their technological innovations, Indigenous peoples have made significant contributions that continue to benefit society.
The arts and culture sector in Canada has been greatly enriched by Indigenous expressions of creativity. Indigenous visual arts, performing arts, and literature offer unique perspectives and narratives, reflecting their deep connection with their traditions, spirituality, and worldview.
Looking towards the future, Indigenous peoples continue to shape Canadian society in various ways. Their advocacy for Indigenous rights, their contributions to sustainable development, and their ongoing contributions to science and technology are testament to their resilience and creativity. Importantly, the success and well-being of Indigenous youth, who are the future leaders, innovators, and custodians of Indigenous cultures, are crucial for the continued influence of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
In conclusion, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Indigenous peoples is not only a matter of justice and respect but also a means of enriching our understanding of the world and our place in it. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to learn from Indigenous knowledge, wisdom, and experiences, and strive for a future that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of all peoples.
Cherie Dimaline - A Métis author known for her bestselling dystopian young adult novel, "The Marrow Thieves."
Jeremy Dutcher - A classically-trained, First Nations tenor, composer, musicologist, performer, and actor.
Alanis Obomsawin - A prominent First Nations documentary filmmaker, singer, artist, storyteller, and activist.
Francis Pegahmagabow - The First Nation soldier most highly decorated for bravery in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper of World War I.
Jody Wilson-Raybould - A member of the We Wai Kai Nation and the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the Parliament of Canada.
Marion Buller - A Cree jurist in British Columbia and a member of the Mistawasis First Nation in Saskatchewan, she served as Chief Commissioner for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Tantoo Cardinal - An award-winning actor with over 100 acting credits, she was appointed to the Order of Canada for advancing Indigenous performing arts.
Chief Dan George - Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh (Coast Salish) Nation, Academy Award-nominated actor, and an author.
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