Indigenous Rights and Treaties in Canada

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.

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.