The standard of living for many Indigenous people in Canada is very poor. They were the first people on the land we now know as Canada, yet they are being mistreated and have such a low standard of living because of the discrimination faced in the 1900s. There are many challenges they have to face every day to meet necessities in life. One significant challenge that is affecting the standard of living of the Indigenous people in Canada are terrible housing conditions. “43% of First Nations housing in Canada needs repair” (Statistics. Canada. 2015). As to me, this is an extremely high percent whereas you find the average Canadian home doesn't need that much repairing, “as of 2016, 12.7% of homes in Canada had core housing needs” (Statistics Canada 2015). The percent of homes in Canada that need repair is well under that of the First Nations. This says a lot about the places where the Indigenous people live, and the government now needs to consider these statistics and improve their housing situations. Another issue regarding the First Nations people is their health care. “Indigenous people are more prone to diseases than that of non-indigenous people, Because of their poor living conditions, and crowded living spaces, they are at risk for respiratory problems and many other diseases” (Statistics Canada 2015). The way they live and the lifestyle, aided by the Canadian government, plays a huge impact on their health. After thorough research, I can conclude that this issue is not deepening contending loyalties felt by Indigenous people in Canada.
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The Canadian Government over the years has taken steps to improve their standard of living. Some include improving their education. “Only 38% of first nations people have completed high school whereas 87% of non-indigenous people have completed high school” (Department of Finance 2016). As soon as a better education is provided for the indigenous people in Canada, that can lead to greater chances for getting jobs, making more money, and ultimately improving either their housing or access to necessities. Another step they have taken is improving the quality of water. Bad quality of water is the most common cause of diseases and sickness. The Canadian government planned to invest $141.7 that will go towards their water infrastructure, the water will be regularly tested and monitored. One common thing I can see is that they have a set limit to how much they can help. In the ‘Budget of 2016’ document (Department of Finance 2016), there was an end date to their helping. For example, water monitoring and testing will only last for 5 years. My question now is what can they do that will last in the long term and not only for such a short period.
Although it might not be talked about in a day to day conversation, many Canadians are aware of the low standard that the Indigenous people live in. Becoming more aware of this situation and doing things to help improve is exactly what is happening in Canada today. “87% of people said that more needs to be done in regards to education indigenous children” (Galloway 2018). So, that they can then go on to improve their standard of living in the future. There are also charities in place dedicated to Indigenous people and providing reconciliation. An example is the Gord Downie and Channie Wenjack fund (North Aid 2019). I think that the majority of Canadians want to help but just aren't sure how donating money is a simple but yet effective way to give back. Back when I was in grade 8, I did a project on the awareness of First Nations issues in students. My friend and I went around our school and asked people how much they knew about first nations issues. Once we got their answers, we then informed them on their standard of living and simple challenges they faced on a day to day basis. We then asked if any of them would like to donate money, we ended up raising a little over $40 for Gord Downie and Channie Wenjack fund. This project created awareness for the issue and simple things like this should be done in schools across Canada.
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The Problem of the Low Standard of Living of the Indigenous People of Canada.
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2022 Sept 01 [cited 2024 Apr 24].
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