Tiffany Midge’s Typical Schedule for Native American shares the stereotypes Indigneous peoples face in a facetious manner, which brings to light their harsh realities. A few of these stereotypes that are implied include excessive drinking, patronizing their holistic way of life, in addition to the primitive judgment towards the ritual of smudging. Although these stereotypes, prejudices, and biases are not spoken as brusquely, they are still largely embedded within today’s society. A tragic event that furthers this point recently occured on James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, where 11 individuals were fatally stabbed and another 18 were left wounded. Following the countless news articles and Amber Alerts about this event, I was distrubed to read what was spoken on social media platforms and comments on the news articles. Comments were often limited or completely restricted after individuals shared racist remarks such as, “it makes sense that they were Indigenous” or “they just want more money.”

Brought forth by Diane Francis in her article “The devastating effects of inter-generational trauma on Indigenous populations,” she explains, "this was an example of the ravages of inter-generational trauma, which plagues humanity and ruins lives'' (para. 1). Francis continues by explaining, “the symptoms include alcohol and substance abuse, broken relationships, destroyed families, domestic violence, child abuse and criminality” (para. 4). Due to the issues of many Indigenous people’s living day-to-day untreated for the long-lasting implications of the trauma caused through colonization and racism, it is often a struggle to break free from the sociopsychological trap. Unfortunately, these two men who went on this stabbing rampage were undiagnosed for their trauma, resulting in criminal charges and incarceration, rather than the need for intervention and rehabilitation. Although it is easier to justify someone’s actions based on stereotypes, this harmful behaviour furthers the hardships Indigenous peoples endure.