Clara Jacobs
Block C
Being a country known for its diverse population, Canada strives to be a welcoming place of refuge for those of any ethnicity. However, Canada has not always been accepting of diverse peoples. “The Jade Peony” by Wayson Choy is a short story which depicts the life of a Chinese family living in Vancouver. Although from another country, the grandmother of the family is able to stay deeply connected to her home country by creating art with her grandson. A story which also points to themes such as cultural assimilation and death is Thomas King’s short story, “Totem” which demonstrates a white colonial view on Indigenous peoples and their culture by portraying an ancient totem pole in a museum as disruptive and problematic.
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In King’s story, this relic is the totem pole, and in Choy’s story a family’s Chinese heritage is preserved through a single jade stone woven into a wind chime. The Chinese grandmother’s “precious jade peony” (1) had been gifted to her by a friend in China and although the handmade wind chime which surrounded had broken, she “kept the jade pendant in a tiny red silk envelope, and kept it always in her pocket, until her death”. (1) The Chinese grandmother’s ability to carefully and thoughtfully preserve this stone represents how culture can be preserved through physical items, and these items can be transported and displayed throughout the world. In each so called “isolated island”, cultures are their strongest, since the majority of its population are of the tendency to engage in practices of its culture. Contradicting the grandmother’s ability to preserve and display her cultural heirloom, preservation was not an option considered for the museum’s totem pole in King’s short story. Rather than viewing the totem pole as a piece of art and allowing it to remain in the place it was built, the workers of the museum deem it necessary to “get a chainsaw and cut it close to the floor”. It may be that the Chinese grandmother was able to preserve a relic on her own, among her family, her own “isolated island”, King’s short story teaches how it is vital for all cultures to be respectful and understanding of others cultural practices and teaching. Although indigenous teachings may be their most well established among certain regions of Canada, the display of indigenous relics across the country is an example of its multiculturalism and its delight to display varying arts and cultures. King demonstrates how preservation of culture must be a collective effort, so that traditions do not remain exclusive to “isolated
Ponnada 1 Sahithi Ponnada Mr. Kozlowski ENG1D1-11 Dec 10, 2022 Tansi Kesihtwahk: The Portrayal of Culture through Symbolism The British author Jay Griffiths states, “If people can’t acknowledge the wisdom of Indigenous cultures, then that’s their loss” (The Scotsman 2013). Indigenous culture in Canada is one of the most distinct cultures in the world. It has unique social, political and economic institutions as well as distinctive language, heritage, practices and beliefs.
“Rifles, Blankets, and Beads” delivers an entertaining perspective on the Northern Athapaskan village of Tanacross. This book is an outstanding resource to anthropologists, students, and educators. In reviewing this book, the author brings a descriptive writing style when analyzing the Northern Athapaskan village of Tanacross culture and history with a focus on the potlatch giving us insight details how the potlatch is seen and celebrated among the Tanacross people. The author, William E. Simeone, is a great source on the Northern Athapaskan village of Tanacross because he lived there among the people. In addition to living there he also attended ceremonies in both Tanacross and surrounding villages, and participated in potlatches within
And also I got to learn how they showed the importance of their culture. Another fact which I learnt was that how their leader Joe capilano in the picture is holding a totem pole and his unique dressing. He is trying to show that how totem poles are important in their culture, and they are not so scary. And also how the leaders in their community dress up, how the crown which is made of feathers, is important to him and for the first nation culture. Another fact is that it also showed how back then in the days the Canadian government was with the major minority cultures and because of factors like more economy, better improvement of life allowed people from other countries to enter and majority of people living there were forced to vacate their land just because of earning and for the country’s development.
I claim the meaning and purpose of this sculpture and its setting is to exist as a place for all people to gather, reflect, pray and meditate but more importantly, to feel protected. This shrine for Saint Kateri Tekakwitha inspires these actions and feelings in a number of different ways. One way the sculpture conjures feelings of protection and safety is because of the mere fact that Saint Kateri is a woman. The individuals that look upon the sculpture are immediately met with a loving gaze, a gaze that looks similar to the look a cherishing and nurturing mother would give to her child. The Native Americans of this community can directly relate to this work of art due to the fact that the person being represented shares their ethnicity.
The changing world they face threatens not only their way of life but also their very existence, as they must find new ways to adapt and survive in a landscape that is rapidly changing. The community's connection to the land is demonstrated through their use of traditional hunting and gathering techniques, as well as their reliance on the teachings of their Elders and the wisdom of their ancestors. Through their shared exploration of the importance of the natural world in Indigenous culture, both works highlight how Indigenous communities have historically been connected to and dependent on the land. They also reveal the devastating impact that colonization and environmental degradation have had on Indigenous communities and the broader ecosystem. In this way, both "Moon of the Crusted Snow" and "One Native Life" demonstrate the urgent need for Indigenous-led efforts to protect and steward the natural world for the sake of Indigenous peoples and the wider
Jim Learning, 78, takes off his black baseball cap to reveal his long white hair. His complexion is fair and his small hazel eyes are framed by his thick white eyebrows. The elder has a silver-white mustache and a wizened face full of wrinkles. One would never think that Learning is a Canadian aboriginal, but he is. Learning’s mother was Inuit and his father was French, so he describes himself as “Euro-Inuit.”
The rich cultural practices and traditions of Wyandotte people have been influential in shaping the broader Canadian cultural landscape. Similarly, Catholicism's influence on art, music, and celebrations have left a notable impact on Canadian cultural heritage. While the Wyandotte people made contributions in trade, intercultural exchange, and indigenous rights advocacy, the Catholic religion also fostered an impact on the development of Canadian society. Some examples of this include the establishment of educational and healthcare institutions in Canada. It is evident that the Wyandotte people have left a legacy in the development of Canada.
The mistreatment of Indigenous people in Canada is a leading factor in the loss of their identity; a tragic consequence of colonialism and systemic injustice. “Totem” by Thomas King, an American-born novelist and member of the Order of Canada, conveys the message of the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples by the government with the use of various literary elements. King voices his opinions about the government’s terrible and shallow decisions they make and solutions they come up with. Comparatively, “I lost my talk” by Rita Joe, a Mi'kmaw poet and member of the Order of Canada, also speaks of the tragedies that the Indigenous peoples have faced, but through a more personal lens where she talks about her experiences as a former student of Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. Although "Totem" and "I lost my talk" differ in their usage of tone and imagery, they both
This shows how Indigenous people try to be strong through the hardships they go through but colonizers still manage to change a part of them and that affects future
This journey is inscribed in her poetry book Loop of Jade. Howe begins her book with the poem Mother’s Jewellery Box. The poem acts as a gateway to the main topic discussed in later poems: the relationship between her and her Chinese heritage.
These old fashion traditions and values are visible throughout the short story “Yin Chin,” written by Lee Maracle. This story follows the oppression of the Chinese and First Nations communities in early Vancouver and the internal and external conflicts they faced due to racism. From the very beginning of the story, we get a sample of what went on through the heads of individuals of different ethnicities and the old fashion values they possess. At the beginning of the story “Yin Chin,” the narrator walks into a restaurant filled with Chinese and explains “It is my reflexive action on my part to assume that any company that isn’t Indian company is generally unacceptable,” showcasing the reflexive thought process that went through people’s minds if they weren’t the same skin pigment (156). They found the restaurant full and that there were no places to sit because “there aren’t any Indians in the room” (156).
Introduction In this essay, I will explore my experience in cultural and settler tourism through a visit to The Forks. First, I reflect on my prior assumptions of the impact of settler tourism along with the cultural history of The Forks. I then analyze how my visit to The Forks challenged and expanded my understanding of the role of cultural tourism in settler tourism, highlighting the importance of Indigenous culture. Ultimately, I review how my experiences have led me to a new position on settler and cultural tourism, one that emphasizes the need for respectful and sustainable practices.
A person’s culture is their way of life. From a young age, we learn to act within the norms of our culture and to be truly ethnocentric. What if one day someone came into your life and told you everything you were doing your entire life was wrong and stupid? Brian Moore’s Black Robe, tells the story of Laforgue, a Jesuit priest from 17th Century Québec who travels to an unfamiliar land called New France. Laforgue’s goal is to convert Algonquin Native Americans into God fearing Christians. Laforgue faces many cultural misunderstandings with the Natives along his journey; he finds the most difficulties understanding the native’s concept of death, why they value dreams, and overcoming ethnocentrism.
Taking place in Vancouver, Canada, as a Chinese immigrant, Grandmama, is determined to stay true to herself and her beliefs in order to decide her own fate, despite what others think. The short story, The Jade Peony, written by Wayson Choy, demonstrates how one's dedication to their culture, love for family and the preservation of memories can allow one to feel intact, regardless of other people's opinion and resulting in one's capability/ability to determine one's own fate. As Grandmama prepares for death, she cherishes and passes on her past experiences in China as well as her current memories in Canada, she continues to follow her traditions and prepares her family for her death while attempting to pursue her destiny. Close memories that
The indigenous of this universe are so beautiful and the resources…so plentiful “ “Come on…I will take good care of it. I am a Ruler after all” The corner of the old man’s lips fiercely twitched as he lifted both of his hands, showing a blood red circle wrapped in a pyramid engraved on his