Indigenous Peoples and Canada
About EXNS 2804
A 6 module micro-course that looks at Indigenous historical and contemporary experiences in order to understand the legacy of settler colonialism and affirm Indigenous self-determination. This course covers topics like worldview, resources and relations, governance and treaty, institutionalization, contemporary communities, and resistance and resiliency. Course content will sharpen learners’ critical thinking skills to strengthen personal and professional ethics, and will deepen Indigenous/non-Indigenous collaboration through building literacy about Indigenous societies, enhancing intercultural awareness, and obtaining balanced facts about Canadian history and current realities.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Paul Gareau
Academic Lead
Course Certification
Course Details
Course Cost
$175 plus GST
Delivery Format
Online (asynchronous, self-directed)
Record of Completion
Printable certificate; non-credit transcript; digital badge
Next Offerings
Oct 1 - Nov 26
Level
Beginner
Completion Requirements
8-10 hours, includes activities and knowledge checks
Textbooks
All material is available online and no textbooks are required.
Transferable Course Credit
This course does not have transfer credit.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain introductory knowledge of Indigenous worldviews in order to recognize that kinship relations are central to Indigenous ways of being and knowing
- Develop greater familiarity with historical Indigenous-Canada economic relations including the fur trade, diplomacy and changes to Indigenous livelihoods
- Establish introductory knowledge about contemporary economic relations with industry have implications for cultural and spiritual practices, environmental protection and conservation
- Enhance your understanding of Indigenous histories, societies, and politics (including treaties, self-government, modern land claims)
- Learn about Indigenous legal systems, restorative justice and impacts from settler colonialism
- Develop your understanding about Aboriginal title, Aboriginal rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
- Establish a foundational understanding of Indigenous approaches to teaching and learning and become familiar with the Canadian Indian Act, its policies and methods
- Deepen your comprehension of effects from Indian residential schools, the Indian Residential School Settlement and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Explore different Indigenous experiences of living in the city as hubs for Indigenous kinship relations in terms of community governance, cultural and social support networks
- Be able to identify that Indigenous activism is action in defense of kinship relations to the Lands/Waters and community/communities, both human and more-than-human
- Gain greater familiarity about how Indigenous arts and culture are a means of political activism, education, and affirmation of kinship relations and Indigenous sovereignty
Course Outline
- Indigenous Worldview(s) and Gender(s)
- Indigenous Resources and Relations
- Indigenous Governance, Treaty, and Law
- Indigenous Experiences of Institutionalization
- Contemporary Indigenous Communities
- Indigenous Activists and Artists
Alumni Professional Development Grants help University of Alberta alumni achieve their career growth goals by removing financial barriers to high-quality, meaningful career education and personal growth opportunities offered by the UAlberta and its partners.
Contact Us
Email nsonline@ualberta.ca with any questions.