*Gasp* If this is in fact true, they clearly did not do ANY research into the hundreds of years of conflict that is still ongoing to this day in Canada between the aboriginal/First Nations population and the “of European origin” population, whose ancestors were the settlers who “founded” the country. Cultural appropriation is also a big deal here that creates a lot of controversy and discussion. That particular ice dance program was torn apart in the Canadian media and by the general public back in 2010, rightfully so.
A not so fun fact: The last residential school for First Nations children in Canada was permanently closed in 1997, only 13 years prior to the Vancouver Olympic Games. Let that sink in for a minute for some perspective. For those who are not aware of what a residential school is, their purpose was to remove young First Nations children from their families and communities in order to “take the savage out of the child” and assimilate them to speak, think, act, and have the same religious/spiritual beliefs as white people. Physical and sexual abuse were rampant in these facilities. It is a horrific blemish on our country’s history.
Edited to add: please please PLEASE don’t confuse this demographic for speaking out about their legitimate experiences as “whining, complaining and selfishness”. Who are any of us to critique the systemic, repulsive treatment they have dealt with since the 1500s?
Whoa - I think we’re talking about different programs here!! I’m referencing the Indigenous Australian program. I’ve never seen the one you’re talking of. My bad, I apologise for not clarifying.