Attend a ceremony
As part of your reconciliation journey, learn the proper protocols and attend a ceremony in your community that is open to the public.
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Working with First Nations
In First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, Elders and traditional teachers play a prominent, vital, and respected role. Carleton University created this guide for working with First Nations to support building and creating working relationships.
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The crucial role of Indigenous elders
In the aftermath of residential schools, healthy elders are essential to the identity of Indigenous people. Doreen Spence is an internationally respected Cree elder speaks to their importance imparting wisdom and helping younger people understand their history and struggles.
Read MoreUsing Indigenous Protocol
Learn about and use Indigenous protocol, ways of interacting that respects traditional ways of knowing and being.
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Pipe Ceremony
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada shared this video in 2010 of a sacred pipe ceremony with hundreds of Indigenous & non-Indigenous attendees.
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Sweat Lodge Teachings
Watch Sweat Lodge Teachings with Education Day Manager, Wilfred Buck shared by Manito Ahbee Educational Program
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Yorkton Tribal Council Teepee Teachings
Learn about teepees (also tepee or tipi) in this interactive website (with videos, images, and text) from the Yorkton Tribal Council.
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Learn about authentic engagement
Learn about Authentic Engagement of First Nations and Métis Traditional Knowledge Keepers in this guide created by the Wîcihitowin Conference Committee.
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Watch Cree Teachings
In a series of Cree Teachings videos, Sylvia McAdam, shares information about protocol and smudging, women’s teachings and mossbags, Treaties, the Pipe laws and more.
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Learn more about Smudging
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.
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Learn Indigenous Protocols from ayisinowak: A Communications Guide
“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.”
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Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Report
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.
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Learn How & When to Present Tobacco
Communications Guide Download the ayisinowak: A Communications Guide to learn how, when and why it is respectful to present tobacco. “Tobacco is one of the four sacred medicines, and a tobacco offering is a universal protocol among First Nations people.”
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Authentically Engage with an Elder
Learn about Elders “The role of Elders is integral in the preservation and maintenance of Saskatchewan First Nations cultures.” Use the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre as a resource to connect with an Elder in your community. For background and protocol information, use ayisīnowak: A Communications Guide developed by the City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre and Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
Read MoreLearn How & Why to Include Land Acknowledgement at Gatherings & Meetings
Protocol for Educational Institutes
Begin all meetings and events with a land acknowledgement of the traditional territory on which you gather. It is a sign of respect, recognizing “you’re on the land of a Nation that has had a relationship since time immemorial with that land.” In addition to the links above, Amnesty International offers a guide for creating land acknowledgements and the Native Land website can also help you identify which territory you reside on.
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Attend a powwow in your community
Powwow Guide
First Nations University of Canada on Powwows
Interested in going to a powwow, but not sure what to expect? These links offer guidelines about taking your family to a powwow for the first time. Most powwows are open to everyone and can be a powerful way to experience Indigenous culture and art.
When are powwows happening in your community? Check out these event calendars:
Office of the Treaty Commissioner Events Calendar
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre
Indigenous Canada
University of Saskatchewan Annual Graduation Powwow
Learn About Traditional Use of Bison
First Nations Elder Shares Traditional Food Knowledge
A traditional foods knowledge keeper describes the ceremony surrounding a buffalo hunt, and how all of the parts of the animal are used.
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