The arrival of Europeans had a significant and long-lasting impact on my way of life as a Native person. The Europeans brought with them new technology, diseases, and ways of thinking that greatly altered our traditional way of life.
One of the most immediate impacts of European arrival was the spread of diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, which decimated our populations. Our communities were devastated, and we struggled to recover from these deadly epidemics.
The Europeans also enforced their own societal structures and governance systems upon us, leading to the loss of our traditional ways of governing ourselves. Our lands were taken from us, and we were forced to assimilate into European culture.
Furthermore, the Europeans introduced new industries such as mining, logging, and agriculture that disrupted and destroyed our natural environment. Our sacred lands and resources were exploited for profit, leading to the degradation of our ancestral homelands.
Overall, the arrival of Europeans had a lasting impact on my way of life as a Native person. We continue to struggle with issues of colonization, loss of land, cultural erasure, and socio-economic challenges that stem from the legacy of European arrival. Despite these challenges, we are resilient and continue to fight for our rights, sovereignty, and cultural preservation.
Native Person Journal
How did the arrival of Europeans impact your way of life long term?
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