The Forced Assimilation of Indigenous Peoples during WW1

Forced Assimilation of Indigenous Peoples during WW1

During World War I, while soldiers were battling on the frontlines, Indigenous Peoples across the globe were forced to fight a different battle. The battle for cultural survival. This brutal act of forced assimilation was carried out by many governments, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Introduction

The Indigenous Peoples were seen as a threat by the respective governments who wanted them assimilated into their own culture and forced to forget their own. In this article, we will discuss the forced assimilation of Indigenous Peoples during World War I. We will look at the practices adopted by governments, the impact on Indigenous Peoples, and the long-term effects of this practice.

Governments’ Policies towards Indigenous Peoples

Governments around the world had policies in place to assimilate Indigenous Peoples. These policies were designed to take away their culture, language, and identity. For example, US government had the Carlisle Indian Industrial School which forcibly took Native American children away from their homes to be trained as farmers, domestic servants or mechanics.

In Australia, the government had the Stolen Generations policy which forcibly removed Aboriginal children from their families in an attempt to assimilate them into white communities. Similarly, Canada’s Indian Residential School System forced Indigenous children to attend boarding schools, where they were forbidden to speak their own languages or practice their own customs.

The Impact on Indigenous Peoples

The forced assimilation policies had a devastating impact on the Indigenous Peoples. They were stripped of their identity, language, religion, and culture. This had a profound effect on their mental and physical health. Children were traumatized by being forcibly taken away from their families, and many suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in the residential schools.

The policies also had a long-term effect on Indigenous communities. They lost their traditional knowledge and oral histories, which had been passed down through generations. This made it difficult for them to maintain their culture and traditions, including language, songs, and dances.

The Long-term Effects of Forced Assimilation

Forced assimilation has had long-term effects on Indigenous Peoples. It has led to the loss of languages and cultures and created a sense of shame and loss among Indigenous communities. The trauma of the Stolen Generations and residential schools has been passed down through generations and continues to affect families today.

The loss of traditional knowledge and practices has also had an impact on the environment, as Indigenous Peoples had a close relationship with the land. The loss of this knowledge has made it more difficult for Indigenous Peoples to maintain their traditional lifestyles, including hunting and gathering.

Conclusion

Forced assimilation was a cruel and inhumane policy that had a detrimental effect on Indigenous Peoples during World War I. Despite the efforts of governments to take away their culture, Indigenous Peoples have continued to fight for their rights and to reclaim their traditional knowledge and practices. It is important to acknowledge the devastating impact of forced assimilation and work towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

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