Indigenous Rights and Treaties in Canada

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Questions and Answers

What was the outcome of the Métis-Ottawa Accords signed in June 2019?

The first self-government agreements between the Métis Nation and the federal government (correct)

Establishment of a new constitutional framework for Canada

Recognition of Métis hunting rights

Creation of the Métis militia

Which case is NOT associated with the transformative movements in Métis rights?

Daniels Case

Métis-Ottawa Accord

Powley Case

Calder Case (correct)

What was one of the primary reasons indigenous leaders created treaties after the late 1700s?

To ensure peaceful coexistence with settlers

To restrict the mobility of settlers

To acquire education and medication (correct)

To diminish their cultural practices

How many historic treaties does Canada officially recognize today?

70 Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the earliest purposes of treaties created by colonists before the late 1700s?

To ensure peaceful coexistence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT listed as a negative impact of contact with Europeans?

Increased trade opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What function did treaties serve for Indigenous leaders despite their disadvantages?

To facilitate partnerships with settlers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treaties is recognized as one of Canada’s historical treaties?

Treaties of Peace and Neutrality Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of National Ribbon Skirt Day?

It recognizes the resilience and identity of Indigenous women through the ribbon skirt. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Have a Heart Day?

To raise awareness of discrimination against Aboriginal children. Signup and view all the answers

On which date is National Indigenous Languages Day observed?

March 31 Signup and view all the answers

What does the red dress symbolize on the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples?

Remembrance of those who are missing and murdered. Signup and view all the answers

What collective action does Moose Hide Campaign Day encourage?

Taking a stand against violence towards women and children. Signup and view all the answers

Which month is declared National Indigenous History Month in Canada?

June Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the decade from 2022 to 2032 according to the content?

To encourage the use of Indigenous languages worldwide. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is directly associated with Jaime Black's REDress art installation?

Red Dress Day Signup and view all the answers

What significant change regarding student holidays occurred in the 1960s?

Students were allowed to spend holidays with their families. Signup and view all the answers

How did the curriculum in residential schools reflect beliefs about Indigenous people?

It reflected a belief in their intellectual inferiority. Signup and view all the answers

What major health issues resulted from conditions at residential schools?

Regular outbreaks of diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, and smallpox. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary conclusion of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission regarding teacher qualifications?

There was no developed policy for teacher qualifications. Signup and view all the answers

What lasting impact has the residential school system had on Indigenous communities?

Intergenerational trauma, including PTSD and loss of culture. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons for the failure of the residential education system?

Teaching staff were often underqualified and poorly paid. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major social consequence of the residential school experience?

Loss of language and lack of parenting skills. Signup and view all the answers

What was the last federally funded residential school in Canada to close?

The Gordon Residential School in Punnichy, SK. Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate Indigenous population in Canada before European contact?

2,000,000 Signup and view all the answers

Which disease was NOT introduced to Indigenous Peoples by European settlers?

HIV/AIDS Signup and view all the answers

What was a negative consequence of the fur trade for Indigenous communities?

Dependency on European firearms Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of European goods affect Indigenous hunting practices?

It caused shifts in hunting and migrating patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the fur trade play in the introduction of alcohol to Indigenous populations?

It led to addiction problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect was a positive outcome of the fur trade?

Creation of the Metis culture. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant demographic change in Indigenous populations by 1871?

Decrease to approximately 100,000. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that Indigenous Peoples adapted to European contact through trade?

They integrated European goods into their existing systems. Signup and view all the answers

Which Indigenous Peoples are known for their nomadic buffalo hunting lifestyle?

Siksika, Sioux, Cree, Assiniboine, Dakota, and Ojibwe Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Algonquian bands in terms of leadership?

Hereditary chiefs through patrilineal descent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following crops was NOT commonly part of the diet for Northeast Indigenous Peoples?

Wheat Signup and view all the answers

What significant role do modern Indigenous organizations play in Canada?

Advocate for Indigenous rights, culture, and education Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Iroquoian society from Algonquian bands regarding lineage?

Iroquoian society is based on matrilineal clans Signup and view all the answers

How many distinct languages are spoken among First Nations communities in Canada?

50 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the living arrangements of First Nations communities in Canada?

May live both on and off reserves Signup and view all the answers

What is one way Indigenous Nations work towards self-determination today?

Through negotiating modern-day treaties Signup and view all the answers

What is celebrated on National Indigenous People's Day?

The diverse cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples Signup and view all the answers

What significant action does the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation address?

It fulfills one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Signup and view all the answers

Why is September 30th recognized as Orange Shirt Day?

To honor the victims of the residential school system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the phrase 'Every Child Matters' associated with Orange Shirt Day?

To create awareness about the impacts of residential schools Signup and view all the answers

How do National Indigenous People's Day and Orange Shirt Day relate to each other?

They both aim to raise awareness about Indigenous issues Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the holiday of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

It is a federal statutory holiday established to honor survivors of residential schools Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the celebration of Indigenous Peoples in Canada during this month?

Learning and appreciating the heritage and contributions of Indigenous Peoples Signup and view all the answers

What common trait do First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples share according to the content?

Interconnected histories Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Indigenous Awareness Training

Indigenous Awareness Training is a program offered by xpera and ESM.
The program aims to educate on Indigenous issues.
The program covers important topics including land acknowledgements, Indigenous arrival theories, and the impact of contact with Europeans.

Land Acknowledgement

Acknowledges Treaty 7 Territory, traditional and ancestral territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Kainai, Piikani, Siksika), Tsuu T'ina Nation, and Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
Recognizes the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland.
Acknowledges First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived on and cared for these lands for generations, recognizing their traditional knowledge keepers and elders.
This acknowledgement is an act of reconciliation and gratitude.

Introduction

Early European encounters with Indigenous peoples in Canada were often misunderstood.
Europeans often wrongly assumed Indigenous peoples had not arrived independently from other continents.
An inaccurate myth developed pre-contact Indigenous societies were unsophisticated, unchanging, and primitive.
Evidence contradicted these viewpoints, showing that Indigenous societies had thrived for thousands of years.

Indigenous Peoples of Canada

Map displays tribal distribution in Canada at the time of first contact with European explorers
Each region had distinct cultural practices, lifestyle and languages.

Northwest Coast

Most populated region including the Haida, Tlingit, Kwakwaka’wakw, Heiltsuk, Makah, and Tsimshian.
Fishing was primary subsistence alongside hunting and gathering.
Villages and large cedar structures were common.
Well-defined social and political structure with hereditary chiefs and specialized task specializations.
Totem poles are a significant part of this culture.

Subarctic

Two major language families (Eastern Subarctic Athapaskan/Dene, and Western Subarctic Algonquian).
Communities/bands were organized and nomadic.
Lived by hunting large mammals, fishing, trapping and gathering fruits/plants.
No social hierarchies.
Built shelters like wigwams or tipis.

Arctic

Primarily inhabited by the Inuit population (descendants of the Thule people).
9 main Inuit groups in Canada.
Lived in congregated hunting camps mainly during winter and smaller bands the rest of the year.
Leadership was often based on family heads recognized for hunting skills.
Used dogsleds and skin-covered boats for transportation.

Plateau

Indigenous Peoples in this region include Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, Stl'atl'imx, and Tsilhqot’in.
Languages primarily Dene and Salishan.
Nomadic, travelled across different locations based on seasons for survival.
Lived in bands with seasonal requirements.
Chiefs were appointed or hereditary.
Significant ongoing work for self-governance.

Plains

Indigenous Peoples included the Siksika, Sioux, Cree, Assiniboine, Dakota and Ojibwe.
Relied heavily on nomadic buffalo hunting.
Lived in tipis and their associated social and clan-base systems.
Credited with developing powwows.
Creation of indigenous advocacy groups like the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

Northeast

Belong to Iroquoian (Huron, Erie, Petun, Wenro) and Algonquian (Mi'kmaq, Ojibwe , Odawa) language families.
Crops were important to their subsistence alongside corn, beans, squash and wild rice.
Mostly settled in villages in large wooden frame longhouses.
Algonquian bands commonly had chiefs whose positions were usually hereditary.
Participating in Canada-Wide efforts to protect Indigenous rights.

Indigenous Peoples of Canada (3 Groups)

The Canadian Constitution recognizes; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

First Nations

Over 1 million people identify as First Nations according to the 2021 census.
Community structures may vary from small to large, including those residing on and off reserves.
630 distinct First Nations communities speaking over 50 languages.
Have signed treaties with significant ongoing legal and socio-economic implications.
Facing historical injustices, leading to lasting poverty.

Inuit

Primarily inhabit the northern regions of Canada.
Inuit homeland is Inuit Nunangat.
Population increased to just over 70,000 in 2021 (increase of 8.5% since 2016).
69% of Inuit live in Inuit Nunangat.
8 main Inuit ethnic groups and 5 languages.
“Country food” (seal, whale, caribou, fish, berries) is significant to their food sources.
The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) represents Inuit interests.

Métis

Mixed European and Indigenous ancestry.
Terms can be complex and contentious.
Capitalized Métis refers to those tracing roots to the Red River Valley, while lowercase métis often refers to broader communities of European-Indigenous intermingling.
The Métis National Council (MNC) is the political organization representing the Métis Nation.
Michif is a distinct Métis language.
Approx. 624,220 Métis in Canada (6.3% increase between 2016-2021).
Significantly involved in court cases promoting Métis rights.

Establishment of Treaties

Treaties are binding formal agreements, contracts, or instruments defining obligations between subjects of law.
Treaties were created to create and ensure peaceful co-existence and trade.
To obtain resources and land, to isolate Indigenous peoples, and for resettlement purposes.

Numbered Treaties in Canada

A series of treaties signed by Indigenous peoples with the Canadian government.
Significant historical context for land claims.

Negative Impacts of Contact with Europeans

Contagions and disease (e.g., tuberculosis, influenza, smallpox).
Fur trade (conflict between groups, dependence on resources).
The Indian Act of 1876 (oppressive aspects).
Residential schools (cultural oppression).

Residential Schools

Residential schools were government and church-run boarding schools for Indigenous children.
Started in the 1830s, with 80 operating in 1931.
High rates of death (30% to 50%).
Forcible removals of children from their families, cultural assimilation, and suppression of Indigenous languages.
Lead to negative impacts on individual and community health for Indigenous families.

Residential Schools and Generational Trauma

The effects of residential schools continue to affect Indigenous communities.
These include intergenerational trauma, PTSD, suicide rates, loss of cultural identity, language, and lack of parenting skills.

The Importance of Indigenous Elders

Elders in Indigenous communities are respected for knowledge, guidance, and cultural continuity.
They are spiritual leaders, teachers, counselors, healers and conflict resolvers.
Elders usually play a neutral role in most circumstances but may offer a more vocal stance when necessary.

Xpera/ESM Indigenous Policy

Xpera/ESM is established to mutual working relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Creates long-term relationships built on trust and respect.
Learn, respect and understand Indigenous culture.
Recognize and honor Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
Establish a positive atmosphere for communication and active participation.
Enhance the employment of Indigenous peoples in the company.
Support Indigenous well-being in communities by mitigating negative impacts through projects.

Xpera/ESM Reconciliation Action Plan

RECRUIT Indigenous personnel into the team
Ensuring non-Indigenous staff participate in Awareness training
Educating staff about the land acknowledgement protocols
Involving staff in Indigenous celebrations
Providing training for Indigenous specific roles in the company.

Personal Acts of Reconciliation

Educational resources on the subject.
Books and films relating to the residential school experience, and reconciliation.

Attending a Cultural Event

Attending a cultural event in your community is a meaningful step in learning about Indigenous peoples' heritage.
Local events can include art installations, performances, ceremonies etc.

How to Approach Indigenous Experience

Show respect for ceremonies and regalia.
Purchase art and crafts from Indigenous-owned stores.
Respect the regalia that is worn in ceremonies.
Ask for permission before taking photos.
Use appropriate dress.
Approach elders and story tellers respectfully.

Indigenous Days of Significance

Discusses various Indigenous recognition days (e.g., National Ribbon Skirt Day, National Day of Action, Have a Heart Day etc.)
Emphasizes the importance of the days in honouring significant events, raising awareness, and promoting reconciliation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the Métis-Ottawa Accords and indigenous treaties in Canada. This quiz covers significant events, interpretations of treaties, and important commemorative days related to indigenous rights. Challenge your understanding of the historical context and ongoing impact of these agreements.