Canadian History 1120-02

Research paper outline

My Reseach project has been one of the most intersting topics that I have pursued thus far in my post secondary studies. The fact that I had the option to choose my topic made it that much more interesting. I am origianally from Prince Rupert, a community where First Nations heritage is strong. Many totem poles and visual artifacts are located throughout the city. Many performing art events happen annually, such as the All-Native Basketball Tournament, Hobiyee, Aboriginal day, and much more. I have been very interested in this topic throughout the semester! Below I have pasted my research paper outline, which is a breif summary of my topic.

First Nations Art has been a primary source to pass on the cultural knowledge from elder to children, through performing Arts, Literature (both oral and written), and visual art. Art is the most significant and influential practice that First Nations people have inherited through each generation. With that being said, if the culture is then harmed, the growth could potentially be disrupted. First Nations tribes have sustained their culture through these methods, which ultimately kept their tradition alive during the scarce conditions after European contact. Through stories, songs, and traditional ceremonies, the First Nations were able to maintain their culture even through the violent depletion of the population fur to epidemics such as smallpox.

 

This topic was a very easy decision for me because I identify as a First Nations person. Growing up in Prince Rupert, which is along the Coast of British Columbia, there was always a theme of great cultural significance. Many life lessons have been passed down through stories and performances. Being able to interpret this culture with a higher level of understanding made me choose this topic without hesitation and also made me very intrigued to learn more about my culture and the significance it may hold.

 

Belanger’s academic document “The Arts” Ways of Knowing will be my main source for this topic. I have read most of the chapters in this document for a previous class so I already have a great understanding of the topics. Also, Belanger does a great job of interpreting the significance these cultural practices hold for First Nations people. My secondary source with be John D. Belshaw’s “Pre-Confederation” because he does an excellent job of illustrating art within First Nations communities. Also, he does a great job of helping the reader visualize how First Nations art was before European contact, which is what my research paper’s main focus is.

 

For the most part, I was very familiar with the topic of First Nations Art but some notions that I had about the topic previous to my research were soon answered by my academic sources. The sources were very clear in the sense that culture was the primary factor in the survival of First Nations. Culture is primarily expressed through art, which is why it holds such a great significance for the First Nations people, and is expressed in both my primary and secondary sources. One thing that I wasn’t aware of was how much the European contact not only hurt the population of First Nations people, but also disrupted the culture of those tribes too. Many of these First Nations communities were forced to conform to the European ways, and were seen as evil if they hadn’t followed the European example of what was “normal”. This opened many doors and outlets that will benefit my document analysis, and will also give me a better insight of the depletion of First Nations culture along with the population.

 

I have always thought that First Nations were strong as a race, but previous to my studies on this topic, I was unaware of how rich the First Nations people were as a race, culturally, economically, and how abundant they as a population. The cultural heritage of the First Nations people is demonstrated greatly in both of my sources, which gives me a better perspective of how much was lost upon the contact of Europeans. Some questions that have been stuck in my mind throughout my research is why the First Nations people continued to trust the word of the European people. Upon first contact, First Nations outnumbered the Europeans greatly. Maybe it is because fighting would’ve been against their morals, ethics, and views.

 

So far I felt very comfortable with the topic decisions along with the sources I have chosen. It is very beneficial that I have chosen a topic that I am very interested in and desire to learn more about. Also, being a First Nations, Art holds a great significance in my views which makes research easier because I am familiar with the terms and most of the Art forms. Because I have experienced the cultural practices first hand, it makes the research more intriguing.

Coming into this term, i didn’t know what to expect. In high school, I was not exposed to history very much. As soon as I met Tracy, I knew this term and course wouldn’t be a sleeper. Tracy made the course intriguing and made me want to learn more about the history of Canada.

Throughout this term i have learned many things; from the first European contact and how the First Nations communities were impacted by that, the fur trade, the establishment of New France, and much more. I was aware of the tragedies of First Nations and the depletion of their population due to European contact. However, i wasn’t aware of the Filles du Roi’s of New France. I have been taught of the struggles that First Nations faced, but i was not aware that the Europeans had struggled very much also. It was very interesting to see where exactly Europeans first settled, and how the early stages of their colony wasn’t ideal. Also, it was interesting to note that the Europeans hadn’t settled immediately, that they discovered the land and later returned to settle. I find myself more inclined to learn about how Canada was established. It was also interesting to see how the gold rush had journeyed through Canada, more specifically British Columbia.

I also have a new perspective of the Canadian flag. I play on the University basketball team and when we stand in line before games facing the Canadian flag prior to the game, I feel a great sense of pride. Now that I am more educated on the history of Canada and its origin, I have since felt very proud to be Canadian. I think that sort of influence on a student is something to be proud of. For myself, I didn’t expect this course to impact me in such a positive way!

Many great stories can be told  about the countries history, heritage and culture. Without knowing the beginning of our history, we are unable to move forward as a nation. Thus, it is very important to understand Canadian History.

Learning history may alter our decisions as a nation, and also as individuals. It is also important to note how people thought and acted in the beginning of colonization. By interpreting the morals, ethics and religious values that were important to those of new France, we are able to compare to our present day values, and also understand how they have changed.

History is very important, not only in the history of a nation. To understand the history of anything is important in preparing for the future. History is also important because it is all documented and factual, which gives an individual an understanding of how the nation evolved.

To see the struggles many people had to endure with great fortitude makes you appreciate the life you have. Also, it gives you proud to be Canadian to see how your ancestors have endured the worst environments known to man, which has ultimately strengthened Canad as a nation.