In 2001, Ontario introduced the “Native Studies” curriculum for grades 9–12; since then, the province has been expanding Indigenous content in the public school curriculum in an attempt to advance Indigenous visibility and reconciliation.
The Indigenous peoples of this land have been painted as tragic, long-gone peoples who have ceased to exist in modern society. This is partially because the information you will find in most textbooks detailing the history of Indigenous peoples focuses on the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the conflicts between settlers and Indigenous nations, and the history of residential schools in Canada.
While these are important parts of the colonial history of Canada, they tend to leave out the ongoing struggles that Indigenous peoples still face today, and discredit the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of assimilation and oppression.
Instead of simply focusing on events of the past and what the government has done to apologize for these atrocities, a better way of reconciling with the people of this land is by supporting our cultures, and learning about modern-day issues affecting Indigenous peoples in significant ways. The quality of life, and dignity of the people living on reserves are impacted by issues such as resource extraction, unsafe drinking water, education inequalities, and high suicide rates.
In urban settings, Indigenous peoples are affected by marginalization in the foster care system, overrepresentation in prisons, and ongoing discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare. Without considerable attention paid to these issues, nothing will change for Indigenous peoples, and we will continue to be marginalized and oppressed by the society that we live in.
This Western view of Indigenous peoples tends to depict us as victims of atrocities that were perpetrated in the proverbial ‘olden days.’ This not only overshadows the current issues that Indigenous peoples face, but also overlooks the vibrant cultures, joy, and laughter that have persisted despite hundreds of years of oppression.
I believe that it’s important to recognize Indigenous joy as an essential part of colonial resistance. I’ve seen it with my own grandpa and great-grandmother, who both went to residential school. I’ve also seen it with my cousins, who have been subjected to systematic oppression in the foster care system. Despite this oppression, they are still some of the most joyful people that I know.
I consider the joy and humour that are present in Indigenous cultures to be resistance in multiple ways. While the Canadian government may be able to take our land, suppress our cultures and religions, and force settler languages onto our youth, the one thing they cannot take away is our joy. By expressing this joy, Indigenous peoples show that they are still alive and well, and reject the societal narrative that Indigenous peoples are simply victims of the past.
Indigenous joy is not only important in the context of resistance, but also due to its healing and connecting qualities. Laughter serves as a connection between family members and is key to Indigenous communities. It gives relief in times of hardship and allows our people to discuss traumatic events.
Without this sense of humour, it’s more likely for the survivors of trauma to be overridden with negative emotions. Thus, this humour is subconsciously used to process trauma and pain in a healthy way. Indigenous joy is the backbone of our survival, as it serves to create and strengthen community ties.
I think that it’s time to start viewing Indigenous peoples in Canada not just as products of their circumstances, but rather as ongoing participants in colonial resistance, with vibrant cultures and social life. By recognizing the joy that Indigenous peoples exhibit, evident in our oral history, traditions, and communities that still stand today, we can see that Indigenous people are more than just a group to feel sorry for and ‘empathize’ with.
Although we are dealing with the ongoing issues that have been affecting us since the arrival of Columbus, it should be recognized as part of the process of reconciliation that we are a resilient people. Indigenous peoples are strong-willed, and our communities are deeply connected through laughter, love and joy.
Gus is a first-year political science student with Métis roots, identifying as both Plains Cree and English. Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, he looks forward to finishing his degree and eventually returning home to the West Coast.
