First Nations Studies 12 - Alasdair

BC First Nations Studies 12

Upon covering the final portion of the PLO that is concerned with leadership and self-determination, drawing parallels with another nations similar issues (in this case, Japan's relationship with the indigenous people of Hokkaido, the Ainu) can help students understand this is indeed an international issue and also feel empathy rather than guilt in the role of an outsider.

First question to the class: Why do you think other countries don't have issues between indigenous peoples and later settlers?

Let's look at this list of countries. Why do you think we don't hear about issues between indigenous peoples and government in these countries?

United Kingdom

France

Italy

Japan

If students do not point out the issue in Japan, briefly explain and have them research parallels like resettlement of Hokkaido, banning of Ainu cultural practices, expulsion of Ainu village residents and the surprisingly recent Ainu Culture Law of 1997 which permitted Ainu practices.

Can you recognize any similarities between the Ainu movement and the First Nations movement?

How have these people been mistreated in the past?

Why don't we learn about the Ainu in Japan? Do you think students in Japan learn about First Nations in Canada?

Do you think other countries have issues like this?

What role can Canada play in improving relations between indigenous and non-indigenous people internationally? Work in groups and create a policy that fosters equality between these groups in Canada and could be applied to similar situations in places like Japan.