Canadian history has been dominated by what I classify as segregationist theory. Said theory is twofold comprising of segregation, “the practice or policy of keeping people of different races separate from each other” (Mariam-Webster),1 However, segregationist theory is coupled with a desire to assimilate those segregated people. This form of segregation is comprised of intrusive excessive segregation including political, social, economic, cultural, and geographical segregation with the intent being the causation of assimilation by those who are experiencing the segregation, as it is the only true means of escaping said segregation. This intrusively pervasive segregation is perpetrated by the elites within a State. It is with this theory
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4).2 Also, the vehicle through which segregation was enforced was, and remains so, the “Indian Act, 1876” (McGrath 1996, p. 4).3 This is the body of legislation that governs Aboriginal lives.4 Furthermore, it has been the governments tool of segregation, and for ensuring the maintenance of segregation, albeit many Aboriginals consider it a tool for protecting “their status as citizens plus” (Smith 2007, p. 234).5 Segregationist theory, the excessive use of segregation methods with the intent of causing assimilation, saw every aspect of Aboriginal lives alienated not only from the greater society, but from their very ways of life.6 Aboriginal peoples were segregated from many of the societal norms present for non-aboriginals including numerous civil and political liberties.7 The right of free passage from one locale to another within the country was denied to Aboriginal peoples “confining them to their reserves”(Smith 2007, p. 232).8 through the use of a “a pass system for exit and re-entry to the reserves”(Nagy 2012, p. 4).9 Furthermore, Aboriginal people could not procure the services of an attorney.10 Finally, Aboriginal peoples were unable to “vote”(Nagy 2012, p. 4),11 except through “enfranchisement”(McGrath1996, p. 1),12 an assimilationist policy. Also, Aboriginal peoples also experienced
4).2 Also, the vehicle through which segregation was enforced was, and remains so, the “Indian Act, 1876” (McGrath 1996, p. 4).3 This is the body of legislation that governs Aboriginal lives.4 Furthermore, it has been the governments tool of segregation, and for ensuring the maintenance of segregation, albeit many Aboriginals consider it a tool for protecting “their status as citizens plus” (Smith 2007, p. 234).5 Segregationist theory, the excessive use of segregation methods with the intent of causing assimilation, saw every aspect of Aboriginal lives alienated not only from the greater society, but from their very ways of life.6 Aboriginal peoples were segregated from many of the societal norms present for non-aboriginals including numerous civil and political liberties.7 The right of free passage from one locale to another within the country was denied to Aboriginal peoples “confining them to their reserves”(Smith 2007, p. 232).8 through the use of a “a pass system for exit and re-entry to the reserves”(Nagy 2012, p. 4).9 Furthermore, Aboriginal people could not procure the services of an attorney.10 Finally, Aboriginal peoples were unable to “vote”(Nagy 2012, p. 4),11 except through “enfranchisement”(McGrath1996, p. 1),12 an assimilationist policy. Also, Aboriginal peoples also experienced