Canada is at the forefront of the global effort to eradicate oppression with its progressive legislation. Still, Canadian society is far from perfect, and neither is the government, so there’s need to address the issues befalling upon the most vulnerable groups in Canada.
In this article, we will talk about two of the most vulnerable groups in Canada – Indigenous communities and LGBTQ+ individuals. We’ll give you helpful tips on how to be a better ally to those affected the most and we’ll also discuss what the government can do to make these people’s lives better.
Indigenous Oppression
The Indigenous people of Canada have suffered under oppressive colonial rule for centuries, and although Canada is a different country now, its indigenous population still experiences various forms of oppression.
What issues do Indigenous people experience and what can be done?
- Poor healthcare – Indigenous people tend to receive poorer healthcare than their Canadian European countrymen despite the fact that Canada has socialized healthcare which is meant to treat all patients equally.
- Loss of culture – For years, Indigenous communities were discriminated against by for their culture, language, and religion. Indigenous children were sometimes even forced to attend residential schools where they were culturally assimilated. The preservation of culture of the different Indigenous tribes is under threat.
- Gender-based violence – Based on multiple surveys, Indigenous women and girls suffer the most from gender-based violence in Canada. Again, because many Indigenous people live in rural areas, there’s lack of education on the matter, as well as lack of support services and preventive programs.
There are a few reasons for that; first, Indigenous people usually live in rural regions with few healthcare providers, so the government should facilitate the building and staffing of new hospitals (wider access to medical education for Indigenous people is also a plus).
Secondly, doctors are sometimes biased (whether consciously or not) against Indigenous people which can lead to dire consequences and that is why advocates propose more sensitivity training.
Finally, there’s lack of trust from the Indigenous people towards the healthcare system due to historical injustices such as forced sterilization, kidnapping of Indigenous newborns by health providers, and experimenting on Indigenous people; this is why Indigenous people and their generational trauma must be recognized, so they can feel like full-members of Canadian society.
The Canadian government can help Indigenous communities by funding schools and programs that teach children of their own culture, as well as by implementing programs in non-Indigenous schools to teach students of their native counterparts’ culture and thus create a deeper sense of understanding and connection with them.
As an ally, you can donate to charities whose goal is the preservation of Indigenous cultures. If you have native friends, you can ask them about their beliefs and practices. You can also support Indigenous culture by consuming Indigenous art and attending cultural events. In addition, if you witness discrimination against Indigenous people whether that be online or in-person, speak out; indifference can have disastrous consequences.
The government should allocate more funds to community-based organizations that work to prevent gender-based violence and/or support victims of it. You as an ally can do the same by donating and/or volunteering for such organizations. You should also try to bring more awareness to the issue by speaking about it to your friends and family or online.
LGBTQ Oppression
Canada is among the most LGBTQ-friendly nations but LGBTQ+ people still suffer from oppression.
What issues does the LGBTQ community face and what can be done?
- Violence – LGBTQ+ are more likely to experience violence than heterosexual Canadians and this is intrinsically tied to their sexual orientation. Legislation, for the most part, is treating this issue seriously, but Canada should do more to educate people of LGBTQ rights, starting at school. As an ally, you can bring awareness to the issue and also support organizations which help LGBTQ+ victims of violence.
- Hate crimes – Although the number of LGBTQ+ people has risen, so have the hate crimes against them. There has generally been a rise of hateful rhetoric against LGBTQ+ people online which has real-life consequences. What you can do as an ally is again to speak out every time you see/hear something derogatory online or in-person. Support your LGBTQ+ friends when they experience hate crimes and ask them how you can help them. You can also try to educate those around you who have biases against LGBTQ+ people.
- Poverty – LGBTQ+ people have lower average income than their heterosexual or cisgender counterparts ($39,000 versus $58,000). University education, which is a requirement for most jobs nowadays, can be unattainable to LGBTQ+ youth who are rejected by their families for their sexual orientation and/or gender expression.
- Homelessness – As consequence of the higher levels of poverty and discrimination, LGBTQ+ people experience homelessness at a disproportionate rate. Many of the affected people are young, some are even minors, and they make up between 25%-40% of all homeless youth.
LGBTQ+ people are also more likely to experience employment and housing discrimination due to bias. The Canadian government should do more to fight LGBTQ+ poverty by implementing more laws to prevent employment and housing discrimination, and by also lowering or abolishing tuition for public colleges and universities. You as an ally can donate to charities that help impoverished LGBTQ+ people or support your LGBTQ+ friends who are in this situation.
More needs to be done to house these individuals and to also help them find permanent housing and jobs. The Canadian government and various charities work to help homeless LGBTQ+ people and you can help by donating to such funds and/or by allowing your LGBTQ+ friends to crash at your place if they have nowhere to go.
Thoughts
Oppression, unfortunately, still exists and it doesn’t allow certain Canadian communities to prosper. Still, we believe we are on a right track and if you are as passionate as us in the fight against oppression, be sure that you can make a difference.