The Colonial Playbook, Part 1 of 3 (Closed Captioned)

Summary

This video script addresses the dark history of Canada's residential schools, where indigenous children were subjected to abuse and many died. It discusses the discovery of unmarked graves and the ongoing systemic issues faced by Indigenous people, including the foster care crisis. The script challenges the notion of these atrocities being 'mistakes,' emphasizing they were part of a deliberate colonial plan. It also highlights the government's past and present tactics to control Indigenous communities, as well as the resistance and calls for true reconciliation.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ The script begins with a warning about the disturbing nature of the content, indicating the severity of the historical events discussed.
• 🕍 The remains of 215 children were found at a former residential school in British Columbia, highlighting the tragic legacy of these institutions.
• 🌐 The issue of residential schools is deeply connected to ongoing systemic issues faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• 🏛️ The Canadian government was aware of the existence of unmarked graves at residential schools as early as 1914 but took no significant action.
• 🧔 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statement about not fighting Indigenous kids in court contrasts with the reality of ongoing legal battles.
• 📜 A 1970 memo from the Department of Indian Affairs reveals a covert strategy to continue colonial policies against First Nations, despite public rejection.
• 🏢 The script discusses the historical roots of Canada's colonial policies, tracing back to the racist views of founder John A. Macdonald.
• 📚 The book 'Red Skin, White Masks' by Dene scholar Glen Colthard is mentioned as a significant work in understanding Canada's colonial politics.
• 🔍 The script points out the continuity of colonial tactics in modern policies, suggesting that the same strategies are used to control Indigenous Peoples' finances, territories, and rights.
• 🤝 The narrative emphasizes the importance of truth and acknowledgment of past atrocities as a prerequisite for reconciliation.

Q & A

What was the initial warning given by Dennis Ward in the video?

Dennis Ward warned that the information presented in the video may stir up or trigger unpleasant feelings or thoughts.

How many children's remains were found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School?

The remains of 215 children were found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

What is the significance of the number 215 in the context of the video?

The number 215 represents the number of children's remains found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, highlighting the devastating impact of the residential school system on Indigenous communities.

What is the connection between residential schools and colonialism as discussed in the video?

The video connects residential schools to colonialism by illustrating how these institutions were part of a broader system designed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture, thereby eroding their cultural identity and heritage.

What does the term 'genocidal machine' refer to in the context of the video?

The term 'genocidal machine' refers to the residential school system, which was created with the intention of assimilating Indigenous children and, in the process, causing significant harm and death, effectively contributing to cultural genocide.

Why were the unmarked graves at residential school sites not considered 'discoveries' by survivors?

The unmarked graves were not considered 'discoveries' because survivors of the residential schools had known about them for decades, and their existence was a confirmation of the horrors they had experienced or heard of.

What did the Canadian government know about the graves at residential schools as early as 1914?

As early as 1914, the Canadian government was warned about abandoned cemeteries containing children from residential schools, indicating that they were aware of the existence of these graves for generations.

What is the 'colonial playbook' mentioned in the video?

The 'colonial playbook' refers to a set of tactics and strategies used by colonial powers, including Canada, to maintain control over Indigenous populations, such as taking away resources, opportunities, and families, and implementing policies that continue to marginalize these communities.

What was the White Paper proposed by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in the 1960s, and how was it received by Indigenous groups?

The White Paper proposed by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in the 1960s aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples into Canadian society by abolishing special status and rights. It was met with strong opposition from Indigenous groups, who called it 'cultural genocide' and led to its rejection.

How does the video suggest that colonial policies continue to this day in Canada?

The video suggests that colonial policies continue in Canada through covert tactics and strategies, such as the 1970 memo from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, which proposed continuing the agenda of the White Paper covertly, and through various legislative attempts to control Indigenous finances, territories, rights, and governance.

What is the significance of the orange shirt mentioned by Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett?

Minister Carolyn Bennett's mention of wearing an orange shirt on Canada Day is a symbolic gesture acknowledging the harm done to Indigenous children in residential schools. The orange shirt has become a symbol of the movement to remember and honor the children who suffered and died in these institutions.