“The KAIROS Blanket Exercise™ program is a unique, participatory history lesson – developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators – that fosters truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation among Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.” Many local organizations now offer facilitation for this exercise. It’s an incredible learning experience to continue your journey of Reconciliation.
Mistahimaskwa (Big Bear) was a Plains Cree chief, best known for his refusal to sign Treaty 6 in 1876 and for his band’s involvement in violent conflicts associated with the 1885 North-West Rebellion. Photo Credit BiblioArchives, Government of Canada.
Parks Canada Travel Experience
Parks Canada and their Indigenous partners offer meaningful journeys to explore Indigenous roots in Canada, interacting with First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures.
The online magazine alive offers an article on “Aboriginal Medicine: Four Canadian plants with the power to heal” by Cara McKenna.
This CBC News article includes a short video and looks at a program at Wanuskewin Heritage Park —a walking tour of medicinal plants used by Indigenous peoples. Or read Braiding Sweet: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. “As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers.” A delicious read.
CBC News, “Treaties from 1760 – 1923”
“Treaties from 1760 – 1923: Two sides to the story” is a short CBC News article that explores how oral agreements often differed from what appeared in printed documents. (Photo:Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1986-79-1638)
This Northern Plains Indigenous Interpretive Site is home to over 6000 years of history, and truly unique cultural experience for the whole family.
Online dictionary of Canadian Biography
This detailed article explores the life of Chief Poundmaker and his role in the negotiations of Treaty 6 in 1876.
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.
First Peoples of Canada Website
The First Peoples of Canada online resource looks at the difference between the Canadian government and Indigenous perspectives regarding treaty agreements. (Photo: A page from Treaty 4. Library and Archives Canada.)
“Six thousand years ago, Wanuskewin echoed with the thundering hooves of bison and the voices of Indigenous peoples from across the Northern Plains.” Wanuskewin provides tours and programs that share these stories, which still echo through the land.
“Heritage Minutes” by Historica Canada offer a brief glimpse into the making of Treaty 9, presenting it from the perspective of historical witness George Spence, an 18-year-old Cree hunter from Albany, James Bay. Look in This Land for more comprehensive information on treaties.
