Potential Big Ideas

#1

Hidden 

The Aboriginal artwork within British Columbia is everywhere and recognizable whereas within Alberta it’s hidden. People may see Aboriginal artwork within Alberta but don’t recognize it as being Aboriginal. Living in Alberta then moving to British Columbia I experienced a culture shock about how visual the Aboriginal culture is here. I want to understand how it can be so different even though Alberta and British Columbia are neighbours.

Why is there more visible Aboriginal identity with in  British Columbia then with in  Alberta?

#2

Is Community Worth It ?

The reserve’s have so many addiction issues, such as weed, compared to the Aboriginals that live off reserve. I want to look more in depth to the reasons behind; how their community  impacts their mental health at such a large level. The reserves are plagued with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as a high suicide rate.I want to see how an Aboriginal living on reserve is different then that of one living off reserve.

Why is there a disparity within the reserve communities then urban society? Is there a difference between Aboriginal’s  who live on a reserve and those that live closer to metropolitan areas?

#3

Where do I Stand?

Before enter this course I believed that being Metis just entailed having an ancestor of European heritage and aboriginal heritage. I believed that this was the accepted definition of being Metis, but after doing the first reading I realized that that was far from the truth. I want to understand the reason behind the complexity of this term and the reason behind the negative connotation that it has.

What were the contributing factors that led to having a Metis heritage leading to negative connotations?