Marvellous times : the Indian homemaking program and its effects on extension instructors at the Extension Division, University of Saskatchewan, 1967-1972

Abstract

Because the history of Indian-White relations in Canada has focussed mainly on the colonized Indians and ignored the impact of colonization on the White colonizers, it has simplified a complex affiliation which, clearly, had an impact on both groups while reducing Indian peoples to objects to be studied. By understanding the concept of a relationship involved in colonization, we can alternatively focus on the effects colonization had on both the large and small colonizers. Not only will a study of this type allow us to emphasize the once-ignored impact of colonization on the colonizers, it will also help to avoid the over-study of the Indian peoples in Canada. Exploring the history of the Indian Homemaking Program, Extension Division, University of Saskatchewan, 1967-1972 is an excellent venue in which to perform such a study. The program, which involves White Extension Instructors travelling to Saskatchewan reserves to teach Indian women homemaking skills such as knitting and crocheting, sewing and food preparation, promoted informal cross-cultural education in a setting that was both relaxed and enjoyable. After speaking with Extension Instructors about their vast array of experiences with respect to the program, it is abundantly clear that their days in the program, and with Indian women, changed the way they saw and experienced Saskatchewan.