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Canada: Home to Indigenous Communities

Canada is represented as home for Indigenous communities. Indigenous people have lived here for a long time and were the first people to inhabit Canada. Thousands of years ago, long before the Europeans arrived in Canada, Indigenous people were here and were thriving. They were often mistreated in Canadian history. Even so, about 4% of the population in Canada currently claim to be aboriginal. Even just the word “Canada” comes from an aboriginal word meaning “village” or “settlement” Indigenous people have a deep connection with the earth and have been great keepers of Canada. Not only that, but, they have been like the gardeners for the land and helped it survive and grow. Also, the Indigenous have respected the lands and worked so hard to keep it pristine and nice. It’s like they know what the land is saying and how to properly take care of it. In addition they’ll use everything they get and nothing will get thrown away. They make their actual homes out of wood from trees, and their bowstrings from sinew of deer and buffalo. Finally they also take care of all the animals and never take more than they need from the land. Not only are they helping themselves but also helping the generations to come continue to have Canada as their home. Indigenous people have a strong sense of community, culture and they contribute to the unique current Canadian civilization. Canadian Indigenous art is appreciated all around the world, some examples are totem poles, Inukshuks, and rock engravings. Indigenous culture has been passed down through song, storytelling, and dance. A few dances are the powwow dance, and the hoop dance. Through these expressions, the Indigenous people of Canada have shared their culture and stories of their homes. I hope the Indigenous people continue to have pride in Canada as their home because of all their history, love for the land, and culture.

Junayd

Grade 5

Calgary, Alberta

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