Cultural Understandings | Be a ConnectR

Download an Indigenous Language App

Cultural Understandings, Head, Learn/Education, Listen

Maskwacis Cree, developed by Samson Cree Nation, it lets you explore 20 different categories of words, play word games and take quizzes. For Apple devices

Maskosis Goes to School, developed by Samson Cree Nation, it will teach you about pow wows, traditional Cree values, culture and basic language structure. For Apple and Android devices

Kobe Learn, developed by Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education, it is a suite of apps available in Cree, Oji-Cree and Ojibway. For Apple and Android devices

Plains Cree Yorkton Tribal Council, developed by Yorkton Tribal Council, it teaches the Plains Cree Language, including categories such as greetings, weather, animals, anatomy and family. For Apple devices

Singuistics, developed by Pinnguaq Technology, it will teach traditional songs from Inuktitut, Gwich’in, Anishinaabemowin, Cree and Chipewyan languages. For Apple devices

FirstVoices, developed by First Peoples’ Heritage Language and Culture Council, it contains keyboard software for over 100 Indigenous languages, including every First Nations language in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. For Apple and Android devices

Developing Reconciliation Strategies for Businesses

Cultural Understandings, Head, Reconciliation 101, Work

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #92 outlines ways in which the business sector can and should develop reconciliation strategies. Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. has created three elements for developing Reconciliation strategies for business

Learn more about Smudging

Cultural Understandings, Protocols, Reconciliation 101, Spirit

Learn more about Smudging using the Smudging Chart Cree Resource developed by Janine Wildcat for the Ermineskin Cree Nation. Cree translation provided by Betty Simon.

Learn About Métis History, Identity and Culture

Cultural Understandings, Head, Learn/Education, Reconciliation 101, True History

Use the Indigenous Peoples Atlas to learn about Métis history, identity and culture. This tremendous online resource has extensive sections on trading, oral tradition and languages, historical milestones, culture and contemporary experience.

Attend Indigenous Cultural Events

Body, Cultural Understandings, Kids/Family, Participate, Reconciliation 101, Spirit, Youth Perspective

Use the following links to learn about opportunities to attend Indigenous events and powwows. If you’re unsure about who can attend, feel free to contact event organizers.
Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s Events Calendar
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre for SK events & programming
IndigenousTourism.ca for national events

Educate all Newcomers About what Colonialism is in Canada

Around the World, Cultural Understandings, Head, Learn/Education, Reconciliation 101

We all need education in Indigenous histories and cultures–and newcomers must be included in the initiative to foster relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. While we hope some resources in the ConnectR project will be accessible to newcomers, there are also local organizations like Saskatoon’s Open Door Society which hosts special training and events.

Listen to Indigenous Podcasts

Art & Music, Cultural Understandings, Head, Learn/Education, Listen

Media Indigena
New Journeys
9 Great Podcasts hosted by Indigenous Women
From arts and culture to activism and current events, peruse these lists of Indigenous podcasts to listen and learn!

Learn Indigenous Protocols from ayisinowak: A Communications Guide

Cultural Understandings, Head, Learn/Education, Politics & Leaders, Protocols, Read, Reconciliation 101, Support, Work

“ayisīnowak: A Communications Guide is intended to provide individuals with a basic outline of Aboriginal protocol and governance systems in order to facilitate improved relationship building either as co-workers, through business opportunities or through inclusion in specific projects.”

Take the #Next150 Challenge

Art & Music, Body, Cultural Understandings, Learn/Education, Participate, Reconciliation 101, Social Media

#Next150 is challenging Canadians across the country to play a role in Reconciliation by educating themselves and actively seeking opportunities to learn. Look at their list of challenges, sign up, and share on social media as you embark on this journey.

Look Up the Meaning of Indigenous Place Names

Cultural Understandings, Head, Learn/Education, Reconciliation 101, This Land

Aboriginal Contributions to Place Names in Canada

“The map of Canada is a rich tapestry of place names which reflect the diverse history and heritage of our nation. Many of the country’s earliest place names draw on Aboriginal sources.” This document from the University of Manitoba offers a starting point for your research!

Watch the CBC series 8th Fire

Art & Music, Cultural Understandings, Current Events, Head, Learn/Education, True History, Watch

8th Fire is a 45 minute docu-series hosted by Wab Kinew and reflects on the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Report

Around the World, Art & Music, Cultural Understandings, Current Events, Facts & Figures, Food, Head, Health & Wellness, Kids/Family, Language, Learn/Education, Listen, Participate, Politics & Leaders, Protocols, Read, Reconciliation 101, Safe Spaces, Shopping, Social Media, Support, This Land, True History, Volunteer, Watch, Work, Youth Perspective

Everyone, at some point in their journey of Reconciliation, needs to read the 94 Calls to Action recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to “redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.” Or connect here to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Final Report to read other sections and excerpts.

We have included this action in every category and every path on this website as a reminder of how important it is for us to understand the history and path of Reconciliation in our country.