The One With Totem Poles

I went across the border today to a strange land; Gatineau, Quebec. I was about to say that the language changed to something weird, but, y'know, I'm from Ottawa, so that French thing is everywhere. Anyway, despite the fact that my shoes are stained with blood thanks to the annual it's-summer-therefore-summer-shoes-rub-the-skin-from-my-feet, I trekked from Ontario to Quebec. It was an arduous journey. I lie. It's about twenty minutes away.

It was a gorgeous walk though; the Parliament buildings were glistening in the sunlight and the flooded Ontario River was looking extremely gorgeous also.

So anyway, to get to Gatineau you just have to keep going straight down from Parliament and cross over the Alexandra Bridge and then just keep walking. And, if you're me, keep looking behind you to soak up the eye porn that is Parliament Hill. I think I'm in love with a building...

What's in Gatineau I hear you ask? Well, if you're an eighteen year old from Ontario, then it's the opportunity to have a drink. Otherwise, it has the Canadian Museum of Civilisation, for the dorks/Canada-keenos of the world. It also has an amazing view of Parliament Hill, NO, I WILL  NOT STOP GOING ON ABOUT HOW GORGEOUS PARLIAMENT LOOKS.

The Museum of Civilisation is known for its room full of totem poles.

Told you. Lots and lots and lots of totem poles.

Obviously, the First Nations, Inuit and Metis groups of the land play a prominent role in the museum's exhibits, although, some of the displays are quite patronising in their portrayal of these groups. I can't tell if that's something unconsciously intentional, genuine prejudice, or me over-thinking these things because of all I've learnt about the First Nations over this year. There was a great moment, however, when I totally recognised one of the displays without having to read the accompanying sign to see what it was. Pictures above is Atahansic and below is the Mother Turtle, two key figures in the foundational myth of the Huron-Wendat people, as well as many other groups of First Nations. Yup, I learnt stuff this year!

What happens when you ask a bunch of First Nations, Inuit and Metis their favourite jokes?

To give the museum credit, it didn't shy away from the contentious issues surrounding Canada and its founding peoples. And to be fair to Canada, it's not as bad as Australia when it comes to indigenous relations. Nevertheless, it is still somewhat abhorrent in its dealings with the First Nations and there is a lot of prejudice against these groups. I was in town the other day when a group of immigrants were fighting with some Inuit. The immigrant shouted, "Why don't you eff off back to where you came from?" Which is ironic 'cause, y'know, Nunavut/Yukon/Northwestern Territories is Canada and Nigeria (the guy had a heavy accent and was wearing a baseball cap with Nigeria stamped on it), isn't Canada.

So there you have it. Gatineau, a museum and heinous racism, all in one post.