Student’s Name 

– Vishabh Trehan
Student’s ID - 239634880
Algoma University
Mississauga Campus

Professor’s Name - Richard E. Jaques 

Course: PMAL103: Unit 1 (23S-O-1O)

1st July, 2023

The impact of colonization on the Halkomelem-speaking peoples is powerfully

described in Lee Maracle's book Goodbye, Snauq. The following three instances show

how colonisation altered their way of life, interactions with the land, and interpersonal

relationships:

1. Way of Life Interrupted: The Halkomelem-speaking peoples' way of life was

interrupted by the passage of the Indian Act in 1876. In addition to forbidding

their cultural practices, such the potlatch, the Act imposed a form of government

that was foreign to their customs. These changes caused a loss of cultural

identity and a break with their customary ways of life.

2. Disruption of Relationships to the soil: European immigrants' colonisation of the

lands of the Halkomelem-speaking peoples destroyed their relationship with the

soil. With a system of land usage based on private ownership and exploitation,

the settlers asserted ownership of the land and imposed their own way of life.

This upheaval caused a loss of ecological knowledge and a connection to the

land.
 3. Relationships Among Them Were Disrupted: The Halkomelem-speaking peoples'

relationships were dispersed by the residential school system. Children were

forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to residential

schools, where it was banned for them to speak their native tongue and engage

in their culture. Due to this upheaval, community bonds broke down and

intergenerational wisdom was lost.

Supporting the revival of Halkomelem language and culture is one action that might be

taken to make amends for the past and present wrongdoings and to bring harmony to

the relationships that have been damaged. Supporting cultural events, efforts for land-

based education, and language immersion programs may be part of this. We can aid in

the restoration of the Halkomelem-speaking peoples' connection to their language,

culture, and land by supporting these activities.

By becoming more familiar with the Halkomelem language and culture, going to cultural

events, and supporting projects for land-based education, I could personally take part in

this reconciliation effort. Additionally, I might promote the incorporation of Indigenous

viewpoints and expertise in governmental decision-making and education. As stated in

the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, this effort would support

the demand for action for rapprochement. It would particularly support Call to Action,

which asks for the revival of Indigenous languages and traditions.

References -

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321972590_rec_The_Re-

empowerment_of_Native_Canadians_through_Literature_A_Comparison_between_Lee_Maracl

e's_Goodbye_Snauq_and_Tomson_Highway's_Hearts_and_Flowers_In_Our_Story_Aboriginal

_Voices_on_Canada's_Past

King, T., Cardinal, T., & Highway, T. (2010). Our story: Aboriginal voices on Canada's past. Anchor

Canada. Chapter: Goodbye, Snaug

Comments

Hi Tania Sethi !

You performed an adequate task demonstrating how colonisation affected people's

relationships with their land, one another, and their way of life. A method that focuses

on taking concrete action to mend relationships and address previous faults. Crucial

understanding is also highlighted in support of cultural regeneration and indigenous

rights. It improves Indigenous voices and encourages people to get involved in

initiatives for harmony. responds to greater concerns for independence, Native

American rights, and sustainability.