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Read: Reclaiming Indigenous Place Names
Indigenous Peoples in Canada are working to restore place names and revitalize their languages after colonial policies and law sought to eradicate them. The article, Reclaiming Indigenous Place Names, from the Yellowhead Institute shows the importance of restoring Indigenous place names to reclaim Indigenous knowledge and territories.
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Watch: People of the Buffalo Nation
Watch People of the Buffalo Nation where Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway from the Buffalo People Arts Institute tells the story of the “Pile of Bones” name of Regina, and the history of the bison across North America.
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Watch: Residential Schools in Canada Timeline
The history of residential schools in Canada can be traced as far back as the 17th century. Watch the “Residential Schools in Canada Timeline” video by Historica Canada to learn about the significant dates in its history — from the landing of Jesuits in what is now known as Quebec, to the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report in 2015.
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Read: An Introductory Guide To Understanding Indigenous Rights
National accounting and tax firm MNP has released An Introductory Guide To Understanding Indigenous Rights. The book looks at Indigenous and Treaty Rights and Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. Proceeds the book are being set aside within MNP’s Communities Forward community investment fund for the benefit of grassroots First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth initiatives.
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Nisitohtamowin eLearning
Nisitohtamowin: an introduction to understanding Indigenous perspectives in Canada explores Indigenous history in Canada, including residential schools and race relations.
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Learn the locations of residential schools
The residential school system separated 150,000 Indigenous children from their families — and the last one closed in 1996. Was one of those schools in or near the community where you grew up? You can use the CBC interactive map to find out.
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Listen: Seven Truths
Seven Truths by Tanya Talaga is an Audible Canada audio story series exploring stories of contemporary life for Canada’s Indigenous peoples through the lens of the Seven Grandfather Teachings. The episodes interweave conversations with Elders and reflect on Canadian history, civil rights moments and the ongoing challenges First Nations communities face.
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Watch: Residential school Survivor stories
Listen to residential school survivor stories: Legacy of Hope Foundation. Over the last twenty years, the Legacy of Hope Foundation has developed a collection of videos to educate and foster awareness of the impacts of the Residential School System.
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Read: The North-West Is Our Mother
Learn about about the fight of the Métis people for recognition in Canada. The North-West Is Our Mother is written by the great-grandniece of Louis Riel.
Listen to Jean Teillet talk about the book on the Sunday Edition.
Read MoreTake an online class
Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson online course that explores, from an Indigenous perspective, key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions.
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Listen: Kanesatake 300 Years Later
Listen to the podcast Secret Life of Canada‘s episode on Kanesatake 300 Years Later
Anniversaries can be a strange thing in Canada, depending on who you are and which side you’re watching from. It’s been 30 years since an event you may know as the Oka crisis; but that’s not where the story begins…
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Listen to Finding Celo
Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo, is a podcast by CBC Saskatchewan that seeks to tell the story of a young Cree girl apprehended by child welfare workers in Saskatchewan in the 1970’s. Her siblings say she was stolen, and then raped and murdered while trying to hitchhike back home, her body left at the side of the road somewhere in the United States. They have no idea where she is, whether her name was changed, or if anyone has been charged in her murder.
Like many Indigenous children, Cleo’s brothers and sisters were taken from their community, displayed in advertisements, and sent to live with white adoptive families across North America, through a controversial program called “Adopt Indian and Metis.” They’ve reconnected as adults and are determined to find their missing sister and penetrate the secrets shrouding the truth about Cleo.
CBC’s Connie Walker joins in their search, uncovering disturbing new details about how and why Cleo was taken, where she wound up, and how she died.
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Watch Picking up the Pieces
Picking up the Pieces follows the journey of making the Witness Blanket – a national monument that commemorates the experiences of residential school survivors across Canada.
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Residential Schools podcast
Historica Canada created a podcast series about the history of residential schools in Canada. The Residential Schools podcast aims to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools, and honour the stories of Survivors, families, and communities.
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Read Reclaiming Power and Place
The final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has two-volumes, calls for transformative legal and social changes, and delivers 231 individual Calls for Justice. (MMIW)
Read the entire report, or the Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians.
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Reconsider Historical Details
At the American Museum of Natural History, museum staff updated a display with labels, summarizing various issues. They were carefully chosen after a research process that took most of 2018. The largest one, visible from a distance, invites visitors to “reconsider this scene.”
This process was detailed in a New York Times article: What’s Wrong With This Diorama? You Can Read All About It
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Learn about the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is the permanent home for all statements, documents, and other materials gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Learn more about their work.
The centre created this video to explain their work keeping the issues of Truth and Reconciliation alive.
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Learn to be an Indigenous Ally
The Montreal Urban Aboriginal Network launched the Indigenous Ally toolkit in English and in French. Being an ally is about creating safe spaces by educating others on the realities and histories of marginalized people. The toolkit provides suggested steps and self-reflections for people who want to be an ally.
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Learn About Métis History, Identity and Culture
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.
Read MoreVisit Parks & Sites that Share Traditional Stories & Knowledge about the Land
“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.
Read MoreLearn about Treaties in Canada
The Office Of The Treaty Commissioner Website
The Office of the Treaty Commissioner offers an excellent resource for an introductory understanding of treaties. There are also links to teaching resources and FAQs.
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Watch Elder in the Making
Elder in the Making is a 95 minute documentary about a Blackfoot First Nation man and a Chinese Canadian newcomer embarking on a spiritual journey across traditional Blackfoot territory rediscovering their shared heritage.
Read MoreWatch CBC’s Stolen Children: Residential School Survivors Tell Their Stories
Stolen Children is an 18 minute video from CBC News show The National, which demonstrates how Residential Schools affected survivors and their children and grandchildren.
Read MoreWatch We Were Children
We Were Children at the National Film Board
This National Film Board film explores the residential school experience through the perspective of two children. This film has disturbing content that would not make it suitable for youth.
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Read or Watch Wawahte: Stories of Residential School Survivors
In 2015, the Wawahte book was made into an educational documentary that combines archival images with clips of Residential School survivors sharing their stories.
Read MoreAttend a Blanket Exercise
“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.
Read MoreSeek Professional Development that Expands Your Knowledge of Indian Residential Schools
The Facing History and Ourselves website offers educational resources and professional development with the intention of addressing racism and discrimination. Stolen Lives: The Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Indian Residential Schools is both a book and online resource.
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Understand Indigenous Historical Leaders of the Past
Harold Cardinal was elected chief of the Sucker Creek band in 1982-83 and was appointed vice-chief for the prairie region of the National Indian Brotherhood. Cardinal published the ‘Red Paper’ (titled Citizens Plus) that argued strongly against the assimilatory goals of the federal government’s White Paper (the Statement of the Government of Canada on Indian Policy).
Harry Daniels was one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan Métis Society. He is most widely known as the man who negotiated the expressed inclusion of “Métis People” in the Canadian Constitution, thereby enshrining Métis rights in the constitution.
Walter Dieter was a Cree person of the Peepeekisis Indian Band in Saskatchewan. He was one of the founders of the National Indian Brotherhood and served as the first National Chief from 1968 to 1970.
Gabriel Dumont rose to political prominence in an age of declining buffalo herds and was concerned about the ongoing economic prosperity and political independence of his people. He is best known for his role in the 1885 North-West Resistance as a key Métis military commander and an ally of Louis Riel.
James Gladstone was Canada’s first Indigenous senator. He was president of the Indian Association of Alta (IAA) and three times was a delegate to Ottawa to discuss proposed changes in the Indian Act. He played a prominent part in the fight for better education, greater respect for treaty rights, and participation of Aboriginals in their own administration.
Elijah Harper was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Manitoba in 1981, in 1986 he was appointed to cabinet as Minister Without Portfolio Responsible for Native Affairs, and in 1987 was appointed as Minister of Northern Affairs. In 1990, while sitting as an opposition member in the Manitoba Legislature, he blocked the Canadian constitutional amendment known as the Meech Lake Accord due to a lack of participation of Indigenous peoples in the process.
Louis Riel led the Métis in two resistances during 1869-70 in Red River and in 1885 in the Saskatchewan District of the North-West Territories. He was instrumental in the creation of Manitoba as a province and is a centrally important figure in Métis history.
John Tootoosis was an influential First Nations leader in Saskatchewan. He was appointed chief of Poundmaker at the age of 20, and in 1959 he was elected as the first President of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians.
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Study Chief Poundmaker’s Contribution to Treaty 6
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.
Read MoreUnderstand White Privilege
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack
This powerful exercise was first published in 1989 by Peggy McIntosh. This link will allow you to download the original article, as well as access useful tools and resources for facilitators. An important step in Reconciliation is recognizing where white privilege exists and working to end inequality.
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Understand Different Perspectives on Treaty Agreements
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.)
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Read CBC News for Different Perspectives on Treaty Agreements
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)
Read MoreUnderstand the Differences Between Indigenous Languages
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre
Visit the SICC (Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre) for background and history of Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan. Also, see news about Federal Indigenous Languages Legislation.
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Read About Historical Indigenous Sports Figures
Profiles of Indigenous Olympians
Canadian Indigenous athletes have made incredible contributions to our country’s legacy in sports. Read about athletes past and present in these articles.
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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.
Read MoreListen to CBC Report on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission
CBC’s As It Happens on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission
It’s a call for a nation-wide commitment to Reconciliation. After six years of hearings and testimony, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission put forward 94 recommendations to address the “cultural genocide” of Aboriginal peoples through Canada’s residential school system. Listen to interviews on CBC’s As It Happens to hear from the Commissioners
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Learn from Interactive Timelines on Saskatchewan Treaties
The Office of the Treaty Commissioner Website
Saskatchewan has a Treaty history that has led us to the Treaty relationship we have today. This interactive timeline hosted by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner is a great starting point to learn more about that history.
Read MoreRead the Canadian Encyclopedia’s Timeline of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
This useful tool from The Canadian Encyclopedia offers a detailed historical timeline of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, which can be organized by theme or historical periods.
Read MoreLearn About Indigenous Languages
The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre’s website is a fantastic resource for Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan. It includes information on language history, writing systems, maps and links for further research.
Follow #CreeSimonSays and learn Cree words or join other online learning communities!
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Read the Treaties in Canada Education Guide
This education guide is a project of Historica Canada and includes teacher tips, historical timelines, and suggested activites for students. But it’s not just for teachers and students. Treaties in Canada is a great introduction for everyone.
Read MoreParticipate in Indigenous Experiences through Parks 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.
Read MoreRead the Story of a Residential School Survivor
Jordan Apetagon has been deeply impacted by the role that residential schools have played in his life. He was “a living, breathing, walking example of the damage the residential school caused.” Read the full story here.
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Watch Heritage Minutes About Indigenous People
The Heritage Minutes are a collection of bilingual Canadian 60-second short films, each depicting a significant person, event or story in Canadian history. First released in 1991, they have been shown on television, in cinemas and online, and have become a part of Canadian culture.
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Hear the Story of Fred Sasakamoose: Residential School Survivor & Hockey Hero
Fred Sasakamoose in the Globe & Mail
He made it out of a notorious residential school to become the first Indigenous player in the NHL. He played 11 games for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1950s and never scored a point. But he hadn’t wanted to be a ground-breaking athlete. He just wanted to be home. Photo by Jason Franson/Globe and Mail
Read MoreAttend a workshop or event at Wanuskewin
Plan an interesting, educational, and fun programming experience at Wanuskewin. You can walk through the beautiful Opimihaw Valley, handling artifacts, or learning a new life skill, they offer an experience that participants will remember for years to come!
Read MoreRead about Indigenous Athlete Reggie Leach
The Canadian Encyclopedia
Wikipedia
Reginald Joseph Leach is a hockey player born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Known as the “Riverton Rifle,” Leach is widely regarded as one of the premier goal scorers in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1970s. He played 13 seasons, including for the Boston Bruins, California Golden Seals, Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings. He is best known for his time in Philadelphia, winning a Stanley Cup with the Flyers in 1975.
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Send Your Kids to An Indigenous Summer Camp
Send your kids to Indigenous summer camps, where kids learn about the people who lived on this land for thousands of years through traditional games, crafts, music, dancing, food, and outdoor activities.
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Learn About Big Bear
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.
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