These myths are the result of misinformation or possibly the shortage of information on Aboriginal people. The biggest myth that I myself have believed for quite a while is that Aboriginal people are falling behind in the job market. This belief is the result of stereotype that Aboriginal people are violent and high school dropouts. The truth is, First Nations people are catching up in the job market. The employment rate for Aboriginal people is in fact rising steadily. Another huge false belief about Aboriginals is that they do not pay taxes. This is partially true, but only for a small percent. Only the minority Status Indians that are currently living on reserves (30% of the aboriginal population) are void of tax. One more misbelief would be that Aboriginal students receive free education. This is also partially true. Only some Aboriginal students will receive free education but only post-secondary, due to the lack of funds. Also, non-status Indians and Metis students are excluded. A way to improve these false myths about First Nations people would be to help non Aboriginals understand more about Aboriginals. This can be done by hosting a club meeting that can help many misinformed people understand the truth about …show more content…
Non aboriginals, being blind sighted with their limited information on the situation. As shown in the 8th fire video, Wab Kinew discusses how many non Aboriginals will tell Aboriginals to “get over it”. This phrase addresses all Aboriginals to supposedly forget it as it is history. In my opinion, this phrase is extremely incorrect and is a result of a lack of accurate information. Residential schools were primarily active during the passage of the Indian Act in 1876, until 1996. As discussed in the video, residential schools were established primarily in order to“kill the Indian in the child”. What this phrase means is that Indigenous children were forced to forget their own culture and be assimilated into Euro-Canadian culture. These First Nations children were treated horribly, and over six thousand of these children have died due to the extreme abuse placed upon them. I believe that many non Aboriginals do not know half the true story, which is the cause of why they would say such things as “get over it”. Residential schools is a dark, sad, and extremely shameful part of Canadian history. In my opinion, the best way to help non Aboriginals understand the seriousness of this issue, the youth should be targeted. An Aboriginal speaker could be sent to chosen high schools to discuss