What I learned This Semester

Throughout this semester we have learned many new things. I believe the most important thing we learned about is the struggle of the natives on reserves in Canada. Before this class I hadn't thought much about the natives in this country, I did not know how badly they were treated but this class opened my eyes to everything. I learned about the many stereotypes that are put on the natives, and that they are the reason that the natives are not well accepted into our community. This class has helped me realise what is right and what is wrong about what is said about the native people and has made me feel sympathetic towards them. Watching the film 8th Fire also helped me realise that Canada needs to step up to help the natives or else they are just going to continue getting worse. We need to learn that the stereotypes about them are false, and we must accept them into our community in order to help them, or else their future could be grim. They are also leaving their reserves in hopes to make some money to support themselves and their families. But, this is extremely hard for them because they cannot find jobs in this country. Because of the stereotypes we have put on them people believe they are lazy and not trustworthy and therefore do not hire them, leaving these natives stranded and struggling outside of their reserve. I'm glad this class has taught me what it has, because now I am more informed and hopefully I can help make a difference in these native's lives, and I hope this course continues teaching students about these issues in the future.