c8lou

Hey, some quick Canadian terminology for you.

In Canada, the term Aboriginal is used across Canada and applies to three different groups - First Nations, Inuit, and Metis. Geographically, Inuit communities in the arctic/coastal north while First Nations span the west to east coast. Metis are distinct by heritage, and refer to a group of mixed French/Aboriginal descent and culture.

So, for example, you'll see legal reference to Aboriginal Rights & Title in Canada, and as such those rights would be assigned to all three groups (i.e. In the constitution).

*Forgot - First Nations consider themselves to be independent nations that were here first. I think it's fitting.

*as per some discussion below: it's always best to use whatever an individual themselves suggests, or the most specific name you know to be applicable (eg. Anishinaabe in Northern Ontario).

I don't see any answers yet, and I thought your question is one that could use multiple perspectives. It's worth noting that there is tons of diversity across Aboriginal communities in Canada, so many might provide very different answers - you've spoken in some absolutes that I'm not super comfortable answering, but I tried.

Caveat to all of the below: I am not an Indigenous person. The answers I'm providing are only based on my personal experience working with several Indigenous communities and studying post-colonial issues extensively.

1. Knowing about the residential school system is a great foundation in one of the biggest impacts on indigenous people in Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation Report is one resource; there are many more out there. Another thing you could do is see if you have a local Friendship Centre and see if they hold any events or if there is anything you can help out with.

2. The biggest misconception I've encountered in my work and daily life is that Aboriginal people in Canada are to blame for the crime and poverty on reserve and they are to blame for being unwilling to help themselves. Colonialism and associated residential schools (see: 1) have been studied extensively and are shown to have extensive and traumatic multi-generational impacts that are not so simply addressed.

3. I personally am pleased that the new government is addressing this issue, although I'm hesitant about the results. I do like that the new Minister is approaching it by beginning to speak to families before beginning the inquiry officially. Doing an inquiry that doesn't address any of their questions and concerns would be unfortunate.

4. I don't know that there is anything pivotal one individual can do alone. I would say if you have a Friendship Centre and can volunteer some of your time in a way that benefits the wellbeing of the Aboriginal community you live closest to, then you are helping. To me, justice for those who are missing and murdered is creating a Canada in which our Aboriginal communities do not face the current socioeconomic inequities that they do.

Sounds like an uphill battle, all the best to you. Question is, on the subject of methotrexate, would some of the heavier hitting biologics used for rheumatoid arthritis like Enbrel or Humera have any effect? They're hella not cheap, mind you.

RA is a bitch! My SO has it. Hope yours is as under control as possible (and for as cheap as possible)

re: medical debt. When he was first hospital and being diagnosed, there were a few people who told him they would pray for him. He told them he'd rather some freaking cash.