3.8C - Attempts to Retain Cultural Identity
Some groups seek to retain their cultural identity within countries and seek to retain control of culture and physical resources (First Nations in Canada), whereas others embrace its economic advantages.
The First Nations are the original population of Canada, existing before European immigrants. They consist of Indian bands such as the Cree and Lenape.
How the First Nations of Canada attempts to retain its cultural identity and prevent it from being eroded by cultural globalisation:
- An Assembly of First Nations promotes the rights and needs of First Nations at a national level within Canada.
- After decades of being taught to be 'Canadian' in boarding schools, modern First Nation schools teach native languages and traditions.
- Within Indian Reservation territories, bands are largely self-governing allowing them to make key decisions about their future.
- Festivals and other meetings help preserve the First Nations tradition of oral histories and other traditions.
- There are about 100 First Nations and Inuit Cultural Education Centres funded by the Canadian Government to help preserve and develop First Nation cultures and traditions.
- To some extent, tourism helps preserve some aspects of First Nation culture, but also dilutes it.
- The Fort McKay First Nation (mainly Cree and Dene peoples) in Alberta negotiated a 20 km exclusion zone between its Moose Lake Reserve lands and any oil sand extraction.
- They also negotiated contracts for First Nation companies to provide $100 million p.a. services to oil extraction companies operating in the traditional hunting areas of the Athabasca region.