Indigenous Facts and Myths
When I was in the Canadian military as a young man serving in Germany, I was asked a question by one of my fellow soldiers. This young soldier from Georgetown Ontario asked me if it was true that an Indian (which was still vernacular in the 1980s) could stand in a swamp full of mosquitos without once ever getting bitten by one of them. I told him yes, that was true.
That was one of the only myths about Indigenous people that I allowed to perpetuate. Of course, it’s not true. Mosquitos do love my blood just as well as any other race of man. They don’t even care that it’s green.
I faced many of these kinds of questions during my military career and that has led me to realize that I need to set the record straight on what makes an Indigenous person different or similar to the average non-native Canadian.
Let me first throw up this disclaimer: These facts may not apply to everyone. All of this depends on factors such whether a person lives on Reserve or resides in an urban setting. It is even possible that a non-native person may show some of these traits. Especially those with green blood.
So, let’s bust or perpetuate some myths. Here we go.
Unlike non-native people, Indigenous people do not pay taxes. Myth. Indigenous people do pay taxes. Why just today I purchased a chocolate bar at the local milk store and the receipt showed that I had paid all applicable taxes. This is despite the fact that at one time Canada and the USA agreed that Indigenous people would not ever have to pay taxes on goods and services on either side of the border. Ever. That is no longer true. Those rights have been whittled down over the years and now the tax-free zone on either side of the border does not extend beyond a Reserve boundary. So, if I want to consume a tax-free chocolate bar, I should wait to purchase it on Reserve. And I have to tell you, tax-free chocolate bars do taste so much better.
Just like non-native people, Indigenous people dispose of their old vehicles to scrap yards. Myth. Indigenous people like to hang onto scrap vehicles and use them for parts. This is in keeping with our traditional ways where when we were hunters, and we would use every part of the animal. Those parts are also quite tasty after being smoked for a few hours with maple logs. Mmmmm…Don’t get me started!
Unlike non-native people, Indigenous people are better at BINGO. True. No contest.
Just like non-native people, Indigenous people like to invest in the stock market. Myth. We don’t even invest in the flea market. Well, maybe on weekends. After we’ve hit all the yard sales.
Unlike non-native people, Indigenous people can make it rain just by dancing. True. Especially when we dance to “Purple Rain” by the late great, Prince.
Unlike non-native people, Indigenous people don’t believe in god. Myth. We do believe in god. We believe that the same god that brings clean water to every non-native household in Canada will do the same for every Indigenous household. It’s all about faith. Right?
Unlike non-native people, Indigenous people see it as a sign of good fortune when they see an eagle pass overhead. True. Especially before BINGO.
These are just a few of the differences and similarities of Indigenous people and non-native people. Like I said, this may not apply to everyone.