Portrayal of Identity
The identity of a people is often considered in terms of culture alone. In some instances, this approach may be both needed and appropriate. Indian and Metis peoples, however, have been described in terms of culture often to the exclusion of other aspects of identity. The wide range of legal, socio-political, and economic factors of identity tend to be underplayed in a great many works. Yet all elements of identity for First Nations peoples have persisted in depth and meaning over time.
1.
Are Indian and Metis peoples shown as continuing to have multicultural and multilingual societies? Many works imply there is a single culture or language when, in reality, there is great diversity.
2.
Are the people presented as competent negotiators of agreements with other sovereign nations? Some authors view the original peoples as naive participants, or helpless victims of processes thought unfamiliar to First Nations peoples.
3.
Are agreements, such as treaties, and similar contractual arrangements with Indigenous peoples seen as having a basis in international law? Some writers present the view that such agreements imply only moral obligation.
4.
Are rights which derive from the treaties, such as education and health care, typecast as fair exchange for long term settlement of lands and resources? The belief that these are free goods and services is incorrect since these are in exchange for lands and resources.
5.
Are treaties described in a manner that suggests they are binding on all signatories? The term "Indian treaties" suggests that treaties belong, and hence apply, to Indian peoples only; when in fact, they apply equally to all signatories.
6.
Is the Indian Act accurately represented as originating with Canadian legislation? The term, Indian Act, itself, may create the impression that it is an Indian owned document.
7.
Are Aboriginal governments shown as having a long and continuing involvement in solving problems common to all governments? Mechanisms such as the distribution of wealth, decision-making, and rights and responsibilities are universal.
8.
Are diverse models of Indigenous governments explained as appropriate and valid in time and place? Some works relegate these to a seemingly unsophisticated, distant past.
9.
Is the economic life of Indigenous peoples described as varied over time and place? It should be apparent that traditional modes of livelihood persist into our time, and involve contemporary economic activities.
10.
Does the concept of non-ownership of land by private individuals appear without further explanation? Relationships to the land should be explained as part of a world order where collective ownership over private property has remained a viable option.
11.
Is information about varied and nourishing lifestyles in Recontact America given? Some images erroneously portray a vast and sparsely populated wilderness.
12.
Are various origin theories examined? The Bering Strait theory is one theory that new research and oral history challenges.
13.
Is the concept of conservation in the Indigenous economic world view depicted as under-utilization of resources? The notion of an unimaginative approach to industry permeates some writings.
14.
Are Indigenous peoples shown as having created societal structures based on meaningful ideology? A sense of chance and random development is implied where writers do not present an understanding of the spiritual and societal aspects of, for example, the pow-wow, the potlatch, and the vision quest.
15.
Is the concept of treaty implementation as an ongoing multi-faceted process fully represented? Writers may fail to acknowledge the complexity of treaty implementation and, thus, over-subscribe to concepts of racism or cultural differences.
Use of Language
Language is an integral part of any culture and reflects a society's attitudes and thinking. Students learn values, skills and knowledge, and communicate their viewpoints and understandings largely through language. It is not only what is said or left unsaid about a people, but how language is used in reference to them that influences their perceptions. Aspects of tense, voice, and choice of words shape the images of a people. Some questions to ask regarding the use of language are:
1.
Is the active voice used to portray people's involvement in issues and events that should matter to them? The passive voice distorts understandings about a continuing commitment to cultural survival.
2.
Are Indigenous peoples' perspectives and voices heard in written histories? Failure to include the distinct voices of peoples regarding their historical past trivializes significant aspects of that history.
3.
Does the language avoid making needless distinctions between "them" and "us"? It should be evident that all peoples are connected in time and place and, by extension, share universal experiences.
4.
Does the dialogue portray the articulate speaking skills of the peoples with an oral tradition? Superficial translations, word-by-word, often result in odd sounding expressions which may suggest imprecision and lack of development of the original language.
5.
Are Indian and Metis names and languages used accurately and respectfully? Direct translation of names without reference to their true meaning within the culture can seem trite and even foolish.
6.
Does the resource avoid language that stereotypes Indian and Metis peoples? Words such as "primitive," "warlike," "hostile," "sullen," and "uncivilized" are sometimes used in ways to suggest these are characteristics of a particular group of people.
7.
Does use of the term "prehistory" imply that history and record-keeping began only with European writing? Many forms of history such as oral history and other graphics predate European written records.
8.
Are dialects portrayed as substandard language? Dialects are a valid form of expression that should be represented accurately.