Assimilation and Resilience: The Indigenous Experience in Canada

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The Importance of Resilience in “Three Day Road” “Buy this”, “ Have That”, “Do this”. Everywhere I look, advertisements surround society and myself, keeping watchful eye on everyone and trying to push them in one direction. If they are successful, everyone will abide by them and be identical- assimilated into one. During the 1900s, this was no different, as the white man’s influence on Canada seeped into the assimilation of indigenous people. This was no simple task; however, with the enforcement of residential schools it was obvious that headway was being made. In addition, during these times, most natives moved to town and their culture began to fade into one of the English. Conversely there were some who remained close to their identities …show more content…

Maintaining his beliefs and culture was no easy task in a war where his language is considered a “heathen” tongue, and his indigenous culture is mocked. Consequently, during battle, his masterful skills were downgraded as he was not a white person, but Xavier did not change even though he was being viewed as inferior to those around him. For instance, he does not let the war sever his beliefs and faith as he maintains his prayers to Gitchi Manitou after each kill he was responsible for. Bloodshed remains a tactic of survival for him; it was nothing to be proud of. Consistently, Xavier and Niska’s characters draw parallels to each other, as Xavier’s most valued influence is the forest where he was taught how to live and survive in nature by Niska. Even when Niska is not with him, her lessons follow Xavier. Standing up for what he wants is engraved in his skin, and to me this is what kept Xavier’s resilience intact even when his best friend were constantly being mislead by the white man and ridiculing Xavier. “Elijah shakes his head. ’He is a heathen, speaks his own tongue fluently, nothing else.’” ( Boyden 203). When one’s best friend shows contempt, one becomes more susceptible to back down- yet Xavier stays

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