Australia and Canada both have histories of imperialistic attitudes. These attitudes were directed towards the native Aboriginal people that originally lived in these countries. In both cases, Europeans came in and took over, forcing the Aboriginals off the land that they had originally lived on.
Canada was seen as a new world, so many people came to it for land and resources. Resources such as beavers were hunted to make hats, and buffalo were hunted for sport. Forts, towns, and buildings were built in strategic locations, often taking over part of the Natives traditional hunting and living grounds. The land and resources were depleted, taking much away from the traditional lifestyle of the natives.
Australia was used as a dump for European criminals. They came in and took over, building towns and cities. They started hunting the wild game, depleting many of the resources that were of importance to the way of life that the Aboriginals had.
The Europeans claimed much of the land, a concept that made no sense to the Native people of both Canada and Australia, who did not believe in owning land. Both countries forced the Natives into reforming schools and reserves, taking away much of their freedom. The Aboriginals had to change many of their ways since the Europeans made it impossible for them to practice their traditional cultural beliefs. The imperialistic attitudes of the past have led to much heartache today, as Natives are often treated with disrespect and rudeness.
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