Ch 9 Study Flashcards
(16 cards)
understand the importance of the family unit in historic indigneous societies
family was the primary unit of economic production. everyone had a crucial role within the family and all worked together, most of the time these family units included extended families such as the elderly and siblings of parents
recognize the implications of reidential schools and the child welfare system in both historical and contemporary terms, on first nation and metis families
residential schools negatively impacted indigenous families and continues to impact indigenous families. by 1930 ~75% of school aged indigenous children were in residential schools. residential schools left hcildren feeling alienated from their families, lands, and cultures. the “sixties scoop” removed the next generation of indigenous children from their homes
gain an overview of the contemporary demographic profile of first nation and metis families and population
they have many different types such as two parent households, lone parent households, skip generation households, and multigenerational households. indigenous men are overrepresented in prisons in canada which negatively affects statistics surrounding father figures in indigenous children’s lives
understand initiatives taken by first nation and metis communities to attempt to rebuild thier families and other institutions
“taking care of eachother’s spirit” program is to address abuse against indigenous women in ontario and created by ontario federation of indigenous friendship centres as well s the “i am a kind man” program to teach men to end all types of violence towards women. indigenous midwifery practices address challenges women face such as leaving their community to give birth in culturally unsafe environments. aboriginal head start preschool programs deliver culturally based, community-specific programs embodying six components: parent/family involvement, education and school readiness, health promotion, nutrition, social support, and culture/ language, these programs also provide families with access to food, warm clothing, income assistance, and physical/ mental/ and social health services
understand the diversity that exists within indigenous families
recognize the importance of reconnecting families to thier cultures of origin
it maintains children’s identities and not be bereft of family, community, and the life that family and community provide. it allows for wahkoohtowin
what is meant by the concept of the extended family in a traditional indigenous community?
in traditional indigenous communities, the concept of extended family refers to a broad network of relatives beyond the immediate nuclear family. this includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and sometimes even a non-blood relative who are part of the larger community. the extended family plays a central role in social organization, with responsibilities for child-rearing, care for elders, and sharing of resources. it reflects a communal approach to life, where family is interconnected, and roles are shared for the well-being of all
what role did women play in traditional indigenous communities?
women held significant roles in many traditional indigenous societies. they wre often caretakers, nurturers, and central figures in maintained the heatlh of the family and community. in matrilineal societies women had authority over land and property, and they played crucial roles in governance and decision-making processes. women’s responsibilities were deeply connected to social, economic, and spiritual aspects of life. indigenous women also held political authority as clan mothers through women’s councils, or as leaders of extended families.
what is a clan and why is/was it important in some indigenous communities?
a clan is a kinship group that is often connected to a shared ancestor, often symbolized by animals or natural elements. clans play a crucial role in establishing identity, social strucutre, and responsibilities within the community. they organize social interactions, manage inter-clan relationships, and govern marriage rules, helping to ensure harmony and balance within the community. clans were vital in maintaining community coheion and cultural continuity. clans were led by head women and head men who ensured adherence to community laws. a clan is a kinship group that traces its lineage to a common ancestor, often connected to animals, plants, or natural forces. clans were important for regulating marriage and for maintaining social structures and responsibilities wihtin the community. clan syste also helped organize soical roles, leadership, and communal responsibilities.
how was child-rearing approached in traditional indigenous societies? were all societies alike in this regard or were there variations?
child-rearing in traditional indigenous societies was a communal responsibility, with the extended family and sometimes the entire community contributing to the upbringing of children. children were seen as gifts and were often raised with a focus on respect, self-discipline, and learning thrugh observation and participation. children were taught through storytelling, observation, and participation in daily life, learning values, traditions, nad skills through interaction with elders and other community members. there were variations between different nations in terms of specific practices, but the emphasis on the collective responsibility and the holistic development of the child was a common feature
why did the Jesuits take issue with the way that indigenous children were raised?
the jesuits often disagreed with the way indigenous children were raised because indigenous practices emphasized freedom, autonomy, and community involvement which contrasted with the jesuits’ more heirarchal, disciplined, and religious approach. they believed indigenous children needed to be “civilized” and educated within the confines of european values. the jesuits viewed indigenous child-rearing practices as “uncivilized” and sought to impose christian moral and educational systems through institutions like residential schools
what were the short and long term impacts of residential schools on indigenous children, families, and communities?
the short term impacts of residential schools included the forcible removal of children from their families, loss of language and culture, and exposure to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. the long term impacts include intergenerational trauma, the breakdown of family structures, and continued socio-economic challenges for indigenous communities. the disconnect from culture, language, and family has had lasting effects on indigenous identity, mental health, and community cohesion. residential schools have contributed to cycles of poverty, substance abuse, and family breakdown within indigenous communities. residential schools sought to assimilate indigenous children, contributing to a loss of cultrual identity and resilience.
why are so many indigenous children placed in the child welfare system?
indigenous children are disproportionately placed in the child welfare system due to factors like poverty, lack of access to culturally appropriate services, intergenerational trauma, and systemic racism. many indigenous families are disproportionately targeted for child apprehension because of poverty-related issues or a misunderstanding of traditional child-rearing practices by child welfare agencies. historical colonial policies like the residential school system also contributed to the breakdown of indigenous family structures, making it harder for families to stay intact
what positive initiatives have been implemented to improve the lives of indigenous families?
some include culturally grounded child welfare reforms, language revitalization programs, and community-based healing initiatives. some indigenous communities are also working on creating culturally relevant programs that focus on healing, family reunification, and restoring traditional parenting roles. there are programs aimed at healing from intergenerational trauma, rebuilding family ties, and fistering cultural pride have also been key
what is the concept of Wahkohtowin?
this is the cree term for family and directly trnaslates to relationship or relation. is describes how we are responsible to the web of all our relations, human, non-human, and ancestral. family involves how well we carry our responsibilities toward all other life forms, and this will determine the course of how life itself is sustained, now and into the future. it shapes how indigenous peoples understand thier roles in the world, emphasizing balance, respect, and reciprocity in thier relationships with the others and with nature.
why is it particularly important to focus on children when rebuilding indigenous communities?
children are seen as central to the future of indigenous communities because children are the carriers of culture, language, and traditions. by focusing on thier well-being, education, and cultural identity, communities can rebuild and restore cultural continuity. be ensuring that children are raised in environments that nurture their cultural identity, emotional well-being, and sense of community, indigenous nations can rebuild thier strength and continuity. investing in children’s education, health, and cultural development helps to heal the intergenerational trauma caused by colonial policies and ensures the survival and revitalization of indigenous communities
