Indigenous Studies Exam Notes

A ceremony where medicinal or sacred plants like tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass are burned to cleanse negative thoughts or energies from a person or place.

The leader of the Manitoba NDP party, a politician, author, former CBC reporter, and regional chief.

A government-led initiative aimed at educating Canadians about the history and impacts of residential schools.

A declaration that outlines the rights of Indigenous peoples, advocating for their self-determination and cultural preservation.

The passing down of stories and knowledge through spoken words, ensuring the preservation of culture and history across generations.

An approach to justice emphasizing accountability, healing, and restoring harmony within communities.

A historical event where Indigenous land was taken for military use and later reclaimed after years of protests and a tragic death.

A set of traditional principles guiding the Dene people's way of life, emphasizing sharing, mutual support, respect, and cultural transmission.

Respecting different cultures, experiences, and wisdom passed down through generations. It involves listening to elders and recognizing the value of their knowledge.

Recognizing the importance of the past and present in understanding knowledge and values. This involves learning from elders and speakers who carry traditional wisdom.

A two-way exchange of knowledge and respect in relationships. It involves giving and receiving, listening and sharing.

The responsibility to learn about different Indigenous cultures and stories. This involves seeking out knowledge and understanding diversity.

Agreements made between Britain and Mi'kmaq peoples of the Maritimes between 1725 and 1779. These treaties aimed to prevent war and promote trade and friendship. They didn't involve land transfers or monetary agreements, but guaranteed hunting, fishing, and land use rights for all descendants.

A treaty signed in 1764 at Niagara Falls. It involved Sir William Johnson representing the British and 2000 First Nations individuals from 24 different groups. One of the earliest land cessions, documented using Wampum belts.

A series of events that began in 1959 when the town of Oka, Quebec, built a golf course on Mohawk land. The Mohawks fought to reclaim their land and faced violent clashes with Canadian authorities.

The percentage of the Indigenous population in Canada who live on reserves.

A Canadian law that defined who is considered an Indigenous person and regulated their rights. It has been amended over time to address injustices.

A symbol of Indigenous culture and spirituality, often represented as a circle divided into four quadrants, symbolizing balance, harmony, and cycles of life.

Long, cylindrical beads made from shells, used by Indigenous peoples for decorative and ceremonial purposes. In treaties, Wampum belts symbolized agreements and commitments.

A significant amendment to the Indian Act that aimed to address gender equality. It allowed women to retain their status after marriage and reinstated status for those who had lost it.

A 2016 report found that over 90% of residents in Grassy Narrows and Whitedog First Nations experienced symptoms of mercury poisoning, including speech, sight, and hearing impairments, convulsions, and loss of balance. This resulted in three major challenges for the community: a need for clean water, alternative protein sources, and economic opportunities beyond fishing.

A 1975 agreement that acknowledged Cree and Inuit ownership of 14,000 km2 of land in James Bay, recognizing their hunting, trapping, and fishing rights. Compensation was provided alongside the agreement.

The idea that all Canadians are connected to the Treaties and the Crown, regardless of their background, due to the historical and legal framework established by the Treaties.

A social movement that emerged to protest a series of parliamentary bills concerning Indigenous land and resources, becoming one of the largest Indigenous mass movements in Canadian history. Led by four women; Nina Wilson, Sylvia McAdam, Jessica Gordon & Sheelah Mclean.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established in 2015 through the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The TRC's purpose was to document the history and impact of residential schools on Indigenous people in Canada. It focused on the experiences of survivors, families, and communities affected by these schools.

The 94 Calls to Action are a series of recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address the ongoing legacy of residential schools. These calls aim to improve the lives of Indigenous people in Canada and to achieve true reconciliation.

Residential schools were designed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. These schools separated children from their families, language, and culture, causing significant harm to individuals and communities. The loss of language, traditions, and identity had devastating consequences for Indigenous people.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is an international instrument that recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide. It lays out the rights to self-determination, culture, language, and land. Canada adopted UNDRIP in 2016, but it wasn't officially implemented until 2021.

Food insecurity is a major issue facing Inuit people in the North, largely due to high food prices and transportation costs. The remote location and harsh climate make it expensive to import food and produce. The Seal Hunt Ban in 2009 further exacerbated the problem as seals are a vital food source and a significant part of the Inuit economy.

The Williams Treaty was signed in 1923 between the Canadian government and Ontario, and seven First Nations. It involved the transfer of land in exchange for various promises. However, the treaty conditions were not always favorable, and there were disputes over hunting and fishing rights. Many believe the treaty was unfair, and it has had a lasting impact on the relationship between First Nations and the government.

The Peace and Friendship Treaties were a series of agreements signed between the British Crown and various First Nations in the 18th century. These treaties aimed to establish peaceful relations and regulate trade. The treaties were often misunderstood and misinterpreted, leading to ongoing conflicts over land and resources.

Treaties are agreements signed between the Crown and First Nations that often involve land claims and resource sharing. These treaties are fundamental to understanding the relationship between the Canadian government and Indigenous peoples. Treaty rights often play a role in contemporary land and resource disputes.

The contamination of water in First Nations communities due to factors like lack of adequate filtration systems and the presence of chemicals in the water supply, often forcing communities to boil water before use.

The practice of orally transmitting stories, history, values, and cultural knowledge through generations, serving as a vital part of Indigenous culture. It is a way of preserving traditions, teaching lessons, and entertaining.

The set of guidelines and protocols associated with sharing stories in Indigenous cultures. These protocols include respectful introductions, explaining the origins of the story, and acknowledging the cultural property rights of the story.

The impact of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter on Indigenous resistance movements like Idle No More. These platforms have facilitated the rapid spread of information, mobilization of communities, and awareness of critical issues.

The practice of storytelling in Indigenous communities, where the story's meaning and interpretation may vary depending on the audience's needs and context.

The recognition that Indigenous stories are not simply narratives but cultural property that belongs to specific nations or individuals. Permission is required to share them or adapt them in any way.

The recognition that Indigenous storytelling is about more than just entertainment. It serves as a way to preserve cultural heritage and to share important lessons and values with younger generations.