Introduction
First and foremost, we want to acknowledge that we reside in Edmonton, an ancestral land for many ingenious tribes, including the Métis, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Saulteaux, and the Cree people. The indigenous inhabitants of the land of Edmonton city in the province of Alberta have sought the recognition of their identities for decades. Their right to inherit their traditional land has constantly been violated. Bringing their oppression in their own land to the light is the first step towards effective reconciliation with these indigenous communities.
Indigenous History
Edmonton, which lies along the North Saskatchewan River, is the capital of Alberta, Canada. Since the last glacial period, more than five hundred generations have inherited the land of Alberta. The tribes that originally inhabited the land were the Métis, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Saulteaux, and the Cree. These First Nations people are diverse in character, culture, and size. According to the research by Alberta Health Services (2019), the Métis is currently the largest indigenous community living in the province of Alberta. According to this study, the Métis communities cover at least 512,121 hectares of land in Alberta (Alberta Health Services, 2019).Their culture is a conglomeration of English, French, and indigenous traditions. Like most indigenous communities, the Métis have unique practices compared to their non-indigenous counterparts. A prime example is their music, which is a combination of jigs and reels. Their attire usually comprises beaded pipe-bags, deer hide caps, embellished gun sheaths, and woven sashes.
History of Colonization
The First Nations people’s contact with the European settlers considerably changed their course of history. One significant challenge was their exposure to contagious infections to which they had no cure. Due to many social, political, and economic disturbances, the indigenous people had no choice but to live in huge communities. As a result, the number of infections exacerbated, and many deaths followed. Moreover, they lost their traditional means of livelihood, and food shortage became commonplace. The fur trade also stifled their regular activities such as hunting and trapping.
The Indian Act, signed in 1876, deprived indigenous people of some of their fundamental rights. As a result of this pact, they could not speak their native languages or perform sacred rituals. The indigenous tribes were not allowed to vote or walk without a “pass.” In addition to that, their children could only study in residential schools. Furthermore, the Canadian government signed eleven treaties with the First Nations people from 1821 to 1921 (Alberta Health Services, 2019). These agreements involved the First Nations people and the Crown. The treaties were signed to control annuities, gifts, training, agricultural equipment, and schooling for the original indigenous people. One of the most important treaties, Treaty 6, was signed at Fort Carlton in 1876 to ensure adequate medical care for the First Nations people (Alberta Health Services, 2019).
Contemporary First Nations People
The number of indigenous people living in Edmonton has significantly increased in the past few years. The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program has provided financial aid to the eligible First Nations as well as the Inuit tribe. This program has several benefits, including crisis invention counseling, medical transportation, vision care, dental care, medical equipment, medical supplies, and prescription drugs. However, some of the indigenous people are still facing challenges related to health. Research from the Health Council of Canada revealed that most indigenous people feel unsafe due to racism and stereotyping (Alberta Health Services, 2019). In that regard, the Alberta Health Services should recognize the past traumas for the First Nation’s people and aim at providing a common place for healing.
In final analysis, it is important to acknowledge that the original tribes of Edmonton were evicted from their land and divorced from their own traditions. The indigenous people are sustained by their ancestral land socially, physical, culturally, and spiritually. Therefore, the significance of seeking healthy relationships with the First Nations people, especially the Métis, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Saulteaux, and the Cree, should be acknowledged.
Reference
Alberta Health Services. (2019). Indigenous peoples and communities in Alberta.