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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2015, the Wawahte book was made into an educational documentary that combines archival images with clips of Residential School survivors sharing their stories.
8th Fire is a 45 minute docu-series hosted by Wab Kinew and reflects on the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
