Summary

In this module we introduced you to some basic concepts in aim of helping you begin to understand how to improve your relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities. Through this module, we began to de-mystify the basics of Indigenous cultures and knowledges. We also explored the historical timeline from the perspectives of Indigenous communities and settlers, highlighting the impacts of colonialism and fostering empathy. Lastly, we looked at some common mistakes that often occur when settlers attempt to engage with Indigenous peoples, offering insights and strategies to address them effectively, such as avoiding stereotypes, actively listening, and engaging in meaningful collaboration. You’ve taken a good first step on your journey towards cultural competence and respect – one that emphasizes the importance of humility and open-mindedness.


Explore it Further

Curated Resources

Understanding that we are all in different spots in our collective learning journey. This location is a place for documents we believe will be useful further down the road or in your personal and professional development. The information shared in this space is to help you grow – it is not a part of the module requirements.


Further Suggested Readings

  • Booklist

From: 4 Directions, 2023


Academic Resources

Asch, Michael. On Being Here to Stay: Treaties and Aboriginal Rights in Canada. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2014.  

Blair, Peggy. Lament for a First Nation: The Williams Treaties of Southern Ontario.Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2008.  

Borrows, John and Michael Coyle, eds. The Right Relationship: Reimagining the Implementation of Historical Treaties. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2017 

Fenge, Terry and Jim Aldrige, eds. Keeping Promises: The Royal Proclamation of 1763, Aboriginal Rights, and Treaties in Canada. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2015.  

Long, John S. Treaty No.9: Making the Agreement to Share the Land in Far Northern Ontario in 1905. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2010. 

Macklem, Patrick and Douglas Sanderson, eds. From Recognition to Reconciliation: Essays on the Constitutional Entrenchment of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2015.  

McCabe, J. Timothy S. The Law of Treaties Between the Crown and Aboriginal Peoples. Markham: Lexis Nexis Canada Inc., 2010.  

Miller, J.R. Compact, Contract, Covenant: Aboriginal Treaty-Making in Canada. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2009.  

Poetzer, Greg and Ken S. Coates. From Treaty Peoples to Treaty Nation: A Road Map for All Canadians. Vancouver: UBC Press, 2016.  

Rogers, Edward S. and Donald B. Smith, eds. Aboriginal Ontario: Historical Perspectives on First Nations. Toronto: Dundurn Press, 1994.  

Tidridge, Nathan. The Queen at the Council Fire: The Treaty of Niagara, Reconciliation, and the Dignified Crown in Canada. Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2015.  


Children Stories 

Crawford, Kelly. Alex Shares His Wampum Belt. Illustrated by Don Chretien. North Bay: Union of Ontario Indians, 2017.  

Crawford, Kelly. Dakota Talks About Treaties. Illustrated by Don Chretien. North Bay: Union of Ontario Indians, 2017.  

Misiak, Zig. Wampum: The Story of Shaylyn the Clam. Illustrated by Jennifer Bettio. Brantford: Real Peoples History, 2015.  

Robertson, Robbie. Hiawatha and the Peacemaker. Illustrated by David Shannon. New York: Abrams Books, 2015.  


Indigenous Perspectives on the Future

From: CBC, 2017


Land Acknowledgements

From: Engineers Canada | Ingénieurs, Indigenous Advisory Committee, 2021

From: Curve Lake First Nation, 2018

From: Canadian Association of University Teachers, 2023


Terminology and Cultural Competency

From: Library and Archives Canada, 2012 

From Health Care Excellence Canada, 2023


Module References

Wark, J. (2021). Land acknowledgements in the academy: Refusing the settler