What is astonishing to me (in retrospect) is the total absence of education I received about these issues as a kid growing up in Calgary.
I've learned a ton about these issues since growing up and moving to BC, where the aboriginal population seems to have more influence and presence. I wonder if I would have learned as much even as an adult had I stayed in Calgary.
Hopefully things have changed or will change to make this a key component of the teaching of Canadian history in our schools, because this is a living history: one that continues in effect to this day. Understanding it is key to moving forward on aboriginal issues in this country. Failing to understand it will just perpetuate ignorance on these issues and, inevitably, the issues themselves.
|