Indigenous Canada

About the Course

Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.

From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.

Indigenous Canada is for students from faculties outside the Faculty of Native Studies with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships.

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Presented by:

Course Preview

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Not open to students with credit in NS200. Not designed for Native Studies majors.

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Presenters

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Indigenous Canada Course Syllabus

Module 1 - Worldview

In this introductory module, students learn the significance of stories and storytelling in Indigenous societies. We explore history that comes from Indigenous worldviews, this includes worldviews from the Inuit, Nehiyawak, Kanien:keha'ka and Tlingit peoples.

» Module 1 Term List & Definitions

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Module 2 - Fur Trade

This module discusses pre-contact trading systems between Indigenous peoples of North America with a focus on the geographical region of Canada. We examine the chronological events of contact with Europeans and the events leading up to, and during the fur trade. This module also explores the long lasting social, political and economic ramifications of the fur trade on Indigenous peoples.

» Module 2 Term List & Definitions

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Module 3 - Trick or Treaty

Examines Indigenous and settler perspectives of treaty making. Discusses the variation of treaties in Canada and the unique circumstances surrounding these events. Outlines the temporal and geographical history of the numbered treaties (beginning on the east) and ends with a discussion of the historical events and policies leading up to Métis scrip.

» Module 3 Term List & Definitions

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Module 4 - New Rules, New Game

This module begins with a discussion about what is distinctive in Indigenous legal traditions. Explores impacts of policies put in place as British North America attempted to solidify itself geographically and socially. Examines the ways in which the Indian Act contributed to assimilation.

» Module 4 Term List & Definitions

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Module 5 - "Killing the Indian in the Child"

Outlines characteristics of teaching and learning in Indigenous communities, and discusses how relationships were critical in teaching and learning. Traces the development and implementation of the Residential school system in the period after Confederation. Discusses intergenerational impact of Residential school system and the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

» Module 5 Term List & Definitions

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Module 6 - A Modern Indian?

This module examines the burgeoning resistance of Indigenous leaders and the formation of Indigenous-led organizations as the Canadian government employed strategies to encourage assimilation of Indigenous peoples and communities into mainstream society, specifically relating to urbanization.

» Module 6 Term List & Definitions

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Module 7 - Red Power

In this module students will learn about key characteristics of a few different Indigenous political structures and the impacts of colonialism on these structures (e.g. Indian Act, Red Power/AIM, White Paper, Red Paper -Citizens Plus) Concepts explored include self-government, self-determination, and Indigenous resurgence.

» Module 7 Term List & Definitions

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Module 8 - Sovereign Lands

Utilizing contemporary and traditional examples, this module connects Indigenous worldviews and traditional ecological knowledge. As well, this module traces the historical impacts of settlement. Discusses key concepts of case law associated with Indigenous title, rights to land and resources. List the on-going threats to Indigenous lands and how these threats and challenges are being addressed.

» Module 8 Term List & Definitions

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Module 9 - Indigenous Women

Exploring Indigenous concepts of gender, and the traditional roles and responsibilities, this module then moves into an examination of how colonization can be characterized as a gendered project. Identifies some concrete examples of the impact of colonialism on Indigenous women.

» Module 9 Term List & Definitions

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Module 10 - Indigenous in the City

Looking critically at the statement: "Cities are the place where Indigenous culture goes to die", this module explores sites of urban Indigenous agency/active participation, urban Indigenous governance practices, and urban reserves.

» Module 10 Term List & Definitions

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Module 11 - Current Social Movements

What is an Indigenous concept of community? How do Indigenous people form communities traditionally and today? This module will explain how social and environmental activism can mobilize and create communities. This module identifies key moments such as the Oka Crisis, Idle No More and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are grassroots resistance movements.

» Module 11 Term List & Definitions

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Module 12 - 'Living' Traditions - Expressions in Pop Culture and Art

Finally, we will explore how geographical location, trading networks and partnerships have influenced Indigenous art in the past. As well, we will examine contemporary iterations of Indigenous art and explore some of the artistic responses of Indigenous artists, musicians, and writers to the impacts of colonialism.

» Module 12 Term List & Definitions

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Find out more about Indigenous Canada

Learn about course topics and outcomes, and find out how you can participate in the course.

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