Philopateer A.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto East Regional Fair

Why - The Historical Connections to Idle No More

My video was created in order to get at the message of "why" Idle No More began. It explores the deferent ways that the First Nations were treated in the past, as well as the more recent issue of Bill C-45. The video is very “to-the-point” and has a very strong Aboriginal perspective/voice.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing that I learned was that the Aboriginals were completely excluded from confederation. It would seem to be a huge event that would be brought up to the First Nations People living in the area at the time. However, the Canadian government did not bring up any negotiations with them. I found this fact very interesting.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

Through making this project, I learned that everyone's rights and freedoms are very important. In history, the rights of the Aboriginals were very neglected. We however need to see what is going on now that they have taken a stand through Idle No More. Everyone should be treated equally no matter what culture they are in.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life today is extremely relaxed compared to that of the First Nations People in the past. They lived on as their children were taken from them and sent to residential schools, while I go to the school that I choose with my parents. They were in constant fear of losing their land and rights, compared to us who have no worries when it comes to our homes.