Indigenous Studies Exam Notes PDF

Indigenous Studies Exam Notes Terms & People: Medicine Wheel: Represents the interconnectedness of INdigenous culture Metis: Metis people share traditions of their First Nation and European ancestors 1.​ Lived mostly in the Prairies (Manitoba) and Ontario 2.​ Distinct and recognized people and...

Indigenous Studies Exam Notes Terms & People: Medicine Wheel: Represents the interconnectedness of INdigenous culture Metis: Metis people share traditions of their First Nation and European ancestors 1.​ Lived mostly in the Prairies (Manitoba) and Ontario 2.​ Distinct and recognized people and Nation 3.​ Language - Michif - combines elements of French, English, and First Nations Languages Inuit: Indigenous peoples of the arctic 1.​ Inuit means people 2.​ Inuk - One person First Nation: First nations is often used to identify a specific people who are not metis or inuit 1.​ Original inhabitants of the land that is now Canada 2.​ Often occupying territories south of the arctic 3.​ Always use a nation’s name as soon as possible 4.​ This term has legal meaning in Canada 5.​ “Status Indian” under the federal government’s Law - The Indian Act Faithkeeper: a person responsible for learning ceremonies, songs, and stories from their community Elder: a person who has gained significant wisdom and understanding of Aboriginal history, traditional teachings, ceremonies, and healing practices Oka: A golf course was being made on a Mohawk burial site in Quebec. And the Mohawk people in Oka barricaded the bridges to make a statement. Grassy Narrows: In the 1970s there was a commercial fishing ban due to the fish having extremely high levels of mercury in their systems. In 2016 over 90% of residents had symptoms of mercury poisoning. Worldview: a collection of beliefs, values, and assumptions held by an individual or group about life, people, and the universe, and the interrelations among them. Drumming: Heartbeat of the Earth, commonly used during ceremony Water: Sacred Pow Wow: a celebration where Indigenous people dance, eat, sing and can buy or sell crafts. It’s also a place for participants to show pride and respect for their culture. Smudging: Sacred smoke created from burning medicinal or sacred plants (tobacco, sage, cedar, sweetgrass) -​ traditionally a ceremony for purifying or cleansing the soul of negative thoughts of a person or place Wab Kinew: Member of the Onigaming First Nation in northern Ontario - near to the Manitoba border  -​ Leader of the Manitoba NDP party, MLA since 2016/ premier - 2023 -​ Worked as a reporter for the CBC and author -​ Served as a regional chief and worked as a processor at the University of Winnipeg -​ Has brought positive gains for the NDP in Manitoba, though still the opposition -​ Has actively called out politician in the MLA for racisms, at time being directed towards him TRC: Their main goal is to inform all Canadians about what happend in the residential schools. UNDRIP: United Nations Declaration of the Rights for Indigenous Peoples. This was made to gain knowledge towards the rights of Indigenous peoples history. Oral History: Stoires get told orally to make sure that everything is passed on to the future generations. Restorative Justice: Approach to justice in which offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for actions and help restore harmony to the community through meditation or compensation (Ex. Government appolgizing for Residential Schools) Ipperwash: 1942 - Government took the land to use for Military training camp, with the promise of return 1995 - 35 first Nation members took to protesting to call attention to reclaiming this land, one of the members Dudley George was killed 2007 - government announced the land would be returned to Kettle & Stony Point First Nations Dene Laws: ​ ​ Share what you have Help each other Love each other as much as possible Be respectful of elders and everything around you Pass on the teachings Be happy Sleep at night and work during the day Be polite Behave respectfully Kanata: Original word for Canada. Iroquois word for “settlement” Autumn Pelletier: a Youth Changemaker towards water advisories in Indigenous Communities all over Canada. Turtle Island: North America, because it is shaped like a turtle Short Answer Topics: 1.​ How many Indigenous languages are spoken in Canada? More than 70 Indigenous Languages are spoken in Canada 2.​ *We reside on the Treaty Territory of …?* We reside on the Williams Treaty 3.​ What are the 4 R’s of Indigenous Education? Respect - Culture, experience Relevance - (speakers, elders wisdom) - We need to look at the current and history and we learn from those elders and speakers who pass down knowledge Reciprocal - (Relationships) When we go back and forth Responsiblity (to educate ourselves) - when we have the responsibility to educate ourselves about different stories. 4.​ Where are the Dene people located in Canada? What are the four Dene Laws? They are located in the Northwest Territories Laws: - Share what you have - Help each other - Love each other as much as possible - Be respectful of elders and everything around you - Pass on the teachings - Be happy - Sleep at night and work during the day - Be polite - Behave respectfully 5.​ What % of the Indigenous population live on Reserves? 37.5% of Indigenous population live on Reserves. 6.​ *When was the Indian Act created? What terms would cause a person to lose their status according to the Indian Act?* 1876 is when the Indian Act was Created. Women would lose their status if they married a non Indigenous man. If someone got a university degree or became a professional like a doctor or lawyer they would lose their status 7.​ *When was Bill C-31 implemented? What changes did it make to the Indian Act?* Bill c-31 was Implemented in April 1985 The big change it brought was towards gender equality. After the bill was past women would not lose their status after getting married. Whoever lost their status could now reapply for their status 8.​ *Explain the seven grandfather teachings and the animal that represents each teaching* -​ 1. Humility: Represented by the wolf -​ Humility is to know that you are a sacred part of creation. Live life selflessly and not selfishly -​ Do not become arrogant and self-important. Find balance within yourself and all living things. -​ 2. Bravery -​ Represented by Bear -​ Find your inner strength to face the difficulties of life and the courage to be yourself. Defend what you believe in and what is right for your community, family, and self -​ 3. Honesty -​ Represented by The Raven/Sabe -​ Understand who they are and how to walk in their life. -​ Be honest with yourself. Recognize and accept who you are. -​ 4. Wisdom -​ Represented by Beaver -​ To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom. Use your inherent gifts wisely and live your life by them. Recognize your differences and those of others in a kind and respectful way. -​ Respect your own limitations and those of all of your surroundings -​ 5. Truth -​ Represented by Turtle -​ Show honor and sincerity in all that you say and do. -​ Be true to yourself and all other things -​ 6. Respect -​ Represented by Buffalo -​ To honor all creation is to have respect -​ Do not waste and be mindful of the balance of all living things -​ Treat others the way you want to be treated -​ 7. Love -​ Represented by Eagle -​ The Eagle’s teaching of love can be found in the core of all teachings -​ View your inner-self from the perspective of all teachings. This is to know love and to love yourself truly 9.​ *What does the medicine wheel represent?* The medicine wheel represents the importance of balance and equality between people, plants, animals, and all the elements that support life North: Elders, Bear, Sweetgrass, Winter, Wind East: Child, Eagle, Tobacco, Spring, Fire South: Youth, Wolf, Cedar, Summer, Earth West: Adult, Buffalo, Sage, Fall, Water 10.​What was the significance of the renaming of Haida Gwaii in 2009? The significance of renaming of Haida Gwaii in 2009 is a bit of hope for the Haida people as it allowed them to bring back their culture fully and the culture can be known by everyone around Canada. 11.​How is language connected to one's identity and culture? Are trends showing an increase or decrease in younger generations reclaiming and learning the languages Language is connected to one’s identity and culture because it allows people to prove who they are in their cultural ways. Trends are showing an increase in younger generations learning and reclaiming their language from elders. 12.​ What is the TRC? When was it created? For what purposes? What are different parts of the TRC? The TRC is trying to inform all Canadians about what the residential schools are and what happened at the schools. They documented the truth about survivors, their families, communities and anyone personally affected. It was created in 2015 through the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement The different parts of the TRC are the 94 Calls to Action 13.​Explain the impact of Residential Schools on the culture and identity of Indigenous people in canada. The impact of Residential Schools destroyed the culture and identity of Indigenous people in Canada. Because it removed all the practices, traditions, and ceremonies that Indigenous people have. It made a lot of Indigenous people lose their language and that was passed down for generations. 14.​ *What is UNDRIP? When was it created? When did Canada officially adopt it? Why was it created?* UNDRIP is the United Nations Declaration of the Rights for Indigenous Peoples. 2007 is when UNDRIP was created and 144 countries supported it. Canada didn’t adopt it until 2016 but they didn’t start using it until 2021. It was made to acknowledge human rights of Indigenous people all over the world  15.​*Describe the difficult situation that many Inuit people face in the North. What were the leading causes? Seal hunt Ban and impact?* The difficult situation Inuit people face in the North is food insecurity. This problem has happened because it costs so much money to transport the food and produce up north. This is why the grocery prices are so high in Nunavut. Another big problem is the Seal Hunt Ban in 2009. This was so bad for Inuit people because seals are the main source of food, as well as a big part of the economy by selling the seal products. The impact was a lower amount of income for the INuit people 16.​*Name and explain three different Treaties and the agreements made?* Williams Treaty: Who: Governments of Canada and Ontario and 7 First Nations of the Chippewa of Lake Simcoe (Beausoeil, Georgina Island, and Rama) and the Missisauga of the North shore of Lake Ontario (Alderville, Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Scugog Island) When: October - November 1923 Where: Three separate pieces of Land, Northern Shore of Lake Ontario, Lake Simoce, Between Lake Huron and the Ottawa River, almost 13 million acres of Land What: One time land transfer agreement, not very favourable conditions. Disputes over hunting and fishing rights on this land agreement, due to Pre-Confederation Treaties that Guranteed these rights. Peace + Friendship Treaties 1725-1779 WHO? - Britain and various Mi’Kmaq peoples of the Maritimes WHEN? - 1725-1779 WHERE? - Maritimes WHAT?: Agreements designed to prevent war, promote trade and friendship. These treaties contained no land transfer or monetary agreements, but guaranteed hunting & Fishing, land use rights of all descendents. These treaties are still in effect today. Several court cases beginning in the 20th century regarding agreements made in these treaties in attempt to recognize and protect them ​ Treaty of Niagara -​ WHO? - Sir william Johnson (Crown Negotiator) & 2000 people representing 24 First Nations -​ WHEN? - 1764 -​ WHERE? - Niagara, surrounded four mile stretch of land along the Niagara river -​ WHAT?: -​ One of the first land cessions, written in Wampum. -​ 4 Wampum belts were exchanged through negotiations -​ The treaty of Niagara is not recognized by the Government, but is considered foundational documentary by First Nations for all following relations and treaties to come 17.​*Choose one of the land claim issues discussed in class and briefly explain what it was about and how it was dealt with.* The Oka Crisis: 1959: The town of Oka (in Quebec) built a 9-hole golf course on Mohawk land along the Ottawa River France had given this land to catholic missionaries in 1777 1977: The Mohawk filed an official land claim in an attempt to regain the land The Office of Native Land Claims rejected the Mohawk’s claim, saying they couldn’t prove ownership of the land 1989: the mayor of Oka announced the course was going to be expanded to 18 holes and that luxury condos were also going to be built The town prepared to take more Mohawk land, levelling an important forest known as “The Pines” and building on top of the band cemetery March 10 1999: the community began occupying the pines, protecting their trees and graveyard The crisis cost well over $200 Million dollars and was the first violent conflict between First Nations and the government in the late 20th Century The golf course expansion was cancelled 1997: the Department of Indian Affairs quietly purchased the disputed land for $5.2 million dollars and gave it to the Mohawk 18.​Discuss the importance of the Medicine wheel as it relates to Indigenous culture and spirituality. Many Indigenous people base their world view on the cycles of nature and our interconnectedness with them. The medicine wheel places the importance of balance and equality between people, plants, animals, and the elements that support life. 19.​Wampum belts are made out of what? Wampm belts are made out of beads, whelk shells, hard shelled purple shells 20.​What is the dish with one spoon Wampum Belt Treaty A “Dish with one spoon” was often mentioned by Indigenous peoples while making treaties with one another to avoid violent conflict The “dish” represents the land that is to be shared peacefully The “Spoon” represents the individuals living on and using the resources of the land in a spirit of mutual cooperation 21.​*Speak to TW O of the 94 calls to action in the TRC report. What Kind of progress has been made on this Call to Action* #1: 16. Create University and College Degree and Diploma programs in Aboriginal languages This call to action is complete. It was completed in June 2021, when the University of Manitoba added a creation of an Indigenous Language program. It was the first time a school had incorporated an Indigenous language program Now there are lots of Indigenous Language programs all over Canada. #2 23. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the healthcare field This call to action is in progress but it has only been proposed. The goal for this call to action is to get more Indigneous doctors/nurses in the healthcare field all over Canada. There hasn’t been much information on this call to action 22.​When was Nunavut Created? 1999 23.​ *What Happened in Grassy Narrows/What has the long lasting impact been?* The province banned commercial fishing in the river in 1970 because the fish had extremely high levels of mercury. This devastated Grassy Narrows, as fishing was their main source of income, and though they stopped selling fish, some continued to eat fish from the river because it was a large part of their diet. A 2016 report found that over 90% of residents in Grassy Narrows and Whitedog First Nations have symptoms of mercury poisoning (speech, sight, and hearing impairments, convulsions, and loss of balance.) That created three problems for the local community: 1.​ They now needed clean water and an alternative for their protein staple of fish, walleye in particular 2.​ They needed to be able to make a living from another source than fishing. 3.​ The cultural impact of what had happened to them needed to be addressed As late as 2011, studies showed 90% of the people living in Grassy Narrows experienced symptoms of mercury poisoning. 24.​What is typically offered as a thank you to elders and the Creator? Medicine Tobacco 25.​Explain the James Bay project and Agreement? 1975: The agreement was signed 1975: after signing the Government acknowledged Cree and Inuit ownership of 14000 km2 of land and their hunting, trapping and fishing rights. Compensation would come along with this agreement. 26.​What does “We are all Treaty People” refer to? Explain with examples and details. We are all Treaty People, it doesn’t matter your background we are all connected to the Treaties and the crown. An example is how we are all connected to the Number Treaties. Because everyone technically lives on one of the number treaties. 27.​Explain the creation of the ‘Idle No More’ social movement. Who started it and why? What impact has it had on Indigenous issues in the media? Idle No More has quickly become one of the largest Indigenous mass movements in Canadian history - sparking hundreds of teach-ins, rallies, and protests across turtle island and beyond. What began as a series of teach-ins throughout Saskatchewan to protest impending parliamentary bills. Was founded by 4 women; Nina Wilson, Sylvia McAdam, Jessica Gordon & Sheelah Mclean. They are all from Saskatchewan (Indigenous and non indigenous) decided they could no longer stay silent in the face of what is a legislative attack Started in Western Canada in response to the removal of laws and regulations meant to protect the environment “Protect the land, the water, and the sky” Has led to the creation of dozens of groups across Canada and North America Primarily women led as a means to reflect traditional values of activism and leadership within Indigenous communities Group has been criticized for the lack of focus (Trying to tackle too many issues Impacts of Social Media Rise of Social Media has had a large impact on the resistance bu Indigenous people Idle No More is one example of how social media supported the sharing of information related to protecting rights and actions. It allowed word to spread quickly about rallies and gatheirngs. 28.​*Explain the issue of Water Contamination in many first nation communities in Canada?* Speak to two examples specifically (Ex. Nekantaga, Attawpiskat). Give a timeline of progress being made The water comtamination happened in many first nations because of these First Nations not having proper water filtration systems. In some cases there is so much chemical in the water that they need to boil the water before they drink it or they bathe in it.  29.​Oral storytelling is a very important part of Indigenous culture. Explain the protocol for storytelling and three reasons why it is so important. 3 Reasons for storytelling To teach a lesson To teach history, values and culture (customs, rituals, relationships, way of life) To entertain With lack of written history, storytelling was an essential part of life for First Nations. If you are the storyteller there is a protocol to follow Protocols introductions - where you com from, who your family is Like academic referencing Why and Where you learned the story Not everyone can tell certain stories (chosen by each nation or hereditary) Who you are - indicates your “rights” to the story and builds a relationship with audience Everytime the story is told may be different or not, depending on the needs of the listener Stories are considered to be cultural property of a nation and therefore, cannot be re-told without permission of the nation or individual the story originates from. 30.​Explain the oka crisis and Ipperwash. What happened, how were Treaty Rights involved, what were the outcomes. Case Study #1: Oka -​ 1959: The town of Oka (in Quebec) built a 9-hole golf course on Mohawk land along the Ottawa River -​ France had given this land to catholic missionaries in 1777 -​ 1977: The Mohawk filed an official land claim in an attempt to regain the land -​ The Office of Native Land Claims rejected the Mohawk’s claim, saying they couldn’t prove ownership of the land -​ 1989: the mayor of Oka announced the course was going to be expanded to 18 holes and that luxury condos were also going to be built -​ The town prepared to take more Mohawk land, levelling an important forest known as “The Pines” and building on top of the band cemetery -​ March 10 1999: the community began occupying the pines, protecting their trees and graveyard -​ The crisis cost well over $200 Million dollars and was the first violent conflict between First Nations and the government in the late 20th Century -​ The golf course expansion was cancelled -​ 1997: the Department of Indian Affairs quietly purchased the disputed land for $5.2 million dollars and gave it to the Mohawk Case Study #2 Ipperwash -​ 1942: during WW2 the Canadian Government went looking for a place to set up a military-training base and settled on the Stoney Point Ojibwe reserve in Ipperwash, Ontario -​ The government offered the band $15 an acre, the band refused -​ Instead the government promised to return the land after the war, but they never did. -​ Because the land was used as a military range there were unexploded shells in the ground -​ The army claimed they did not have money in the budget to clean it up -​ In Sept 1995 about 35 First Nation members took over the park to call attention to the longstanding claim -​ The confrontation came to a head with police firing on a car and a school bus, wounding two of thee First Nation members and killing Dudley George, an Ojibwe Protestor -​ In 2007: the government of Ontario announced its plans to return the land -​ The settlement was finalized on April 14, 2016 -​ Along with a 95 million payment the land was signed over to the Kettle and Stony point First Nation