First Nations of Canada

Where does Canadian come from at the first place? Who are they? Where do they live? How do they live? Why? What language do they speak? Like kids ask their parents where and how they come from, every Canadian should know when, where and how this country started.

Once upon a time, the first nations of North America people lived in this land; however, the history of Canada begins with the arrival of European discoverers at the end of the fifteenth century. So what happened to the first nations?

Thousands of years before the arrival of the Europeans, people who lived in Canada are known as the "Original People" or First Nations. These nations of people were very different from one another. The North American continent was not divided up into political areas with boundaries. First Nations people were free to live wherever they wished within their own territories. Although each nation was independent, “some created alliances with one another. All nations were interdependent on all life and all Creation.”

Because of the climate, food sources and other harsh environment and demographic factors, First Nations people lived a nomadic lifestyle throughout the area of Canada and the United States. “Many First Nations groups settled in what is now known as Saskatchewan with their own culture and language.” First Nations have contributed many things to Canada.

As essential part of a culture, language is really important for people to live and communicate. The first language in Canada is aboriginal language which is spoken by North American Indian. After British and French explored and later settled in Canada and since the majority people speak English and French, these two languages become the official language.

Canadian culture has historically been influenced by British, French, and Aboriginal cultures and traditions. “It has also been influenced heavily by American culture because of its proximity and migration between the two countries.” Now Canada is a diverse country with people who immigrated from all over the world. No matter where you from, once you become Canadian, you have equal rights and freedom to live. The cultures of people who emigrated from other countries are tolerated by Canada. That’s why people call Canada as multicultural country.

Historically, the settlement and trade of European have tremendous effect on Aboriginal population throughout Canada. First Nations have been through a tough time for recognition, adaptation and change for surviving. Now the group of First Nations become smaller and smaller, even Canadian government give them priority policy to live, even they try to keep their language, culture, life style from generation to generation. The First Nations group is still shrinking. It is a tragedy, however; the survival of the fittest is always the way we live on the earth. From thousands of years ago until now, that’s the reason why First Nations had been through a tough time for recognition, adaptation and change for surviving. They just too weak to be survive. Canadian government should support them to be more competitive. And I hope they can become stronger enough to keep their beautiful language and culture forever.