The book "Goodbye, Snauq" by Lee Maracle explores the history and struggles of the

Halkomelem-speaking peoples as well as the impact of colonization on them. Though there

were several instances to describe how the Halkomelem-speaking people have lost their
identity due to colonialization we would discuss a few examples of adverse effects of
colonialization like erosion of their culture and traditions, alienation from the land, and
disruption of relationships with the other people.

Disruption of their way of life:

In "Goodbye, Snauq," Maracle describes how the Halkomelem-speaking peoples' traditional
practices, such as hunting, fishing, and gathering, were severely disrupted by the imposition
of colonial laws and the encroachment of settlers. Their way of life was disturbed by forcibly
displacing them from their ancestral lands, robbing them of their sovereignty, and imposing a
foreign system of governance upon them. The establishment of the residential school system
forcibly isolated children from their families and communities, undermining traditional
wisdom, language, and cultural practices. These had far-reaching consequences on their
cultural practices, community structures, and overall well-being.
Alienation from the land:
The Halkomelem-speaking people were having their deep-rooted relationships with the land
and the environment. The book highlights how colonization led to the displacement and
dispossession of the Halkomelem-speaking peoples from their ancestral lands. Indigenous
communities were dispossessed and uprooted as a result of the enactment of private property
systems and the appropriation of their lands for the extraction of resources. Forced
relocations, land seizures, and resource exploitation disrupted their intimate connection to the
land and their ability to carry out traditional land-based practices, ceremonies, and
stewardship. The disruption of these relationships had significant cultural, spiritual, and
ecological consequences, as their traditional practices and sustenance systems relied on
harmonious interaction with the land.
Disruption of relationships among the people:
Colonization introduced systems of governance, laws, and education that eroded traditional
social structures and disrupted intergenerational knowledge transmission. The imposition of
Western values and institutions led to internal divisions, cultural loss, and a breakdown of the
communal fabric, eroding the unity, trust, and cooperation that had sustained the
Halkomelem-speaking peoples for generations. Conflicts and divides among indigenous
communities were brought about by the passage of the Indian Act, reserve systems, and
policies that sought to separate them. Their inter-tribal ties and sense of community were
dispersed by colonization.
One action that would correct the past and ongoing wrong doings and restore harmony
to the disrupted relationships:
The admission of historical injustices and the execution of significant efforts at reconciliation
are actions that could assist in rectifying past and present wrongdoings and restoring harmony
to broken relationships. To do this, there would need to be active engagement with the
Halkomelem-speaking peoples, listening to their needs and viewpoints, and working together
to resolve colonization's effects. Initiatives for restorative justice can involve returning stolen
land, promoting cultural revival, reorienting education to emphasize Indigenous knowledge,
and assisting Halkomelem-speaking peoples in achieving self-governance and self-
determination. Such steps would be taken in an effort to undo the harm, regain confidence,
and pave the way for healing, reunification, and the revival of healthy relationships.
How can we personally participate in that reconciliation initiative with Halkomelem-
speaking people:
One could get knowledgeable about the history, culture, and current challenges of
Halkomelem-speaking people in order to personally take part in the reconciliation endeavour.
This could entail engaging directly with Halkomelem-speaking people or organizations by
reading literary and scholarly works written by Indigenous authors, going to local gatherings,
and participating in community activities. A further way to help the broader call for
decolonization, justice, and reconciliation is to promote and amplify Indigenous voices and
efforts on a local and international level.
This program would support the larger movement for Indigenous rights, decolonization, and
reconciliation. It supports Indigenous communities' larger objectives to reclaim their rights,
recover from historical trauma, and restore their relationships with the land and one another
by acknowledging and addressing past and present injustices, restoring self-determination,
and encouraging cultural revival.

Reference:
Maracle, L. (2010). Goodbye, Snauq. In K. Thomas, T. Cardinal & T. Highway (Eds.), Our
story: Aboriginal voices on Canada’s past (pp.183-199). Anchor Canada.