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University of Alberta

Indigenous Canada

University of Alberta via Coursera

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Overview

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Indigenous Canada is a 12-module course from the Faculty of Native Studies (University of Alberta). Through interdisciplinary lenses, this course invites you to build foundational knowledge about Indigenous histories and gain a deeper understanding of contemporary realities at global, national, and local levels. You will develop practical skills to: · Critically analyze colonial and Indigenous histories · Interpret treaties, land claims, and legal frameworks · Understand Indigenous political movements and resurgence · Contextualize current events, policy debates, and social movements · Recognize Indigenous approaches to land, environment, and knowledge · Engage thoughtfully with Indigenous worldviews and contemporary life, art, and creative expression Indigenous Canada encourages thoughtful reflection on Indigenous resilience and the responsibilities of living in shared spaces today. By the end of the course, you will be able to apply your knowledge and skills to academic, professional, and civic contexts, fostering more informed, respectful, and responsible engagement with Indigenous peoples and communities. You will leave with a greater appreciation for present-day Canada and how Indigenous perspectives can inform more just and sustainable relationships.

Syllabus

  • Worldview
    • In this introductory module, students learn the significance of stories and storytelling in Indigenous societies. We explore history that comes from Indigenous worldviews, this includes worldviews from the Inuit, Nehiyawak, Kanien:keha’ka and Tlingit peoples.
  • Fur Trade
    • This module discusses pre-contact trading systems between Indigenous peoples of North America with a focus on the geographical region of Canada. We examine the chronological events of contact with Europeans and the events leading up to, and during the fur trade. This module also explores the long lasting social, political and economic ramifications of the fur trade on Indigenous peoples.
  • Trick or Treaty
    • Examines Indigenous and settler perspectives of treaty making. Discusses the variation of treaties in Canada and the unique circumstances surrounding these events. Outlines the temporal and geographical history of the numbered treaties (beginning on the east) and ends with a discussion of the historical events and policies leading up to Métis scrip.
  • New Rules, New Game
    • This lesson begins with a discussion about what is distinctive in Indigenous legal traditions. Explores impacts of policies put in place as British North America attempted to solidify itself geographically and socially. Examines the ways in which the Indian Act contributed to assimilation.
  • “Killing the Indian in the Child”
    • Outlines characteristics of teaching and learning in Indigenous communities, and discusses how relationships were critical in teaching and learning. Traces the development and implementation of the Residential school system in the period after Confederation. Discusses intergenerational impact of Residential school system and the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
  • A Modern Indian?
    • This lesson examines the burgeoning resistance of Indigenous leaders and the formation of Indigenous-led organizations as the Canadian government employed strategies to encourage assimilation of Aboriginal peoples and communities into mainstream society, specifically relating to urbanization.
  • Red Power
    • In this lesson students will learn about key characteristics of a few different Indigenous political structures and the impacts of colonialism on these structures (e.g. Indian Act, Red Power/AIM, White Paper, Red Paper -Citizens Plus) Concepts explored include self-government, self-determination, and Indigenous resurgence.
  • Sovereign Lands
    • Utilizing contemporary and traditional examples, this lesson connects Indigenous worldviews and traditional ecological knowledge. As well, this lesson traces the historical impacts of settlement. Discusses key concepts of case law associated with Aboriginal title, rights to land and resources. List the on-going threats to Indigenous lands and how these threats and challenges are being addressed.
  • Indigenous Women, Girls, and Genderful People
    • Exploring Indigenous concepts of gender, and the traditional roles and responsibilities, this lesson then moves into an examination of how colonization can be characterized as a gendered project. Identifies some concrete examples of the impact of colonialism on Indigenous women.
  • Indigenous in the City
    • Looking critically at the statement: “Cities are the place where Aboriginal culture goes to die”, this lesson explores sites of urban Aboriginal agency/active participation, urban Aboriginal governance practices, and urban reserves.
  • Current Social Movements
    • What is an Indigenous concept of community? How do Indigenous people form communities traditionally and today? This module will explain how social and environmental activism can mobilize and create communities. This module identifies key moments such as the Oka Crisis, Idle No More and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are grassroots resistance movements.
  • ‘Living’ Traditions – Expressions in Pop Culture and Art
    • Finally, we will explore how geographical location, trading networks and partnerships have influenced Indigenous art in the past. As well, we will examine contemporary iterations of Indigenous art and explore some of the artistic responses of Indigenous artists, musicians, and writers to the impacts of colonialism.

Taught by

Tracy Bear and Paul Gareau

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Reviews

4.2 rating, based on 9 Class Central reviews

4.8 rating at Coursera based on 23740 ratings

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  • Anonymous
    This course is essential for all Canadians who have an honest desire to be part of the Truth and Reconciliation process. Taking the course makes you realize how little us, non-indigenous Canadians know about our own history and therefore perpetuat…
  • Anonymous
    This course was a wonderful eye opener for me. It is written for Canadians and includes many First Nations students, but as a white from the US, I found it really taught me so many ideas that I was completely naïve about. Because of family issues, I fell behind and so when I caught up, I missed out on some discussion with other students, but that part was brilliant. Loved the instructors, art, law... everything.
  • Volena E. Wagner
    4
    I'm really impressed!

    Students are encouraged to succeed: like they actually want you to learn and retain this info. : like it's important for everyone to know and understand.

    Factual, yet heartfelt. Very sensitive and diplomatic. Comprehensive. So much packed into such a short course.

    Instructors are clear and entirely professional.

    This should become part of all Canadian curriculum.

    Thankyou for presenting quality work and opening it up like you all did, with invitation by Dan Levy and FREE and super convenient.

    Makes me want to keep learning and understanding my world.
  • Profile image for Kristina Šekrst
    Kristina Šekrst
    226
    As usual, University of Alberta always delivers. I have to tell the truth, my extremely great experience with previous UA courses motivated me to enroll into this one, and I was not disappointed. Even though I've studied some First Nation languages,…
  • Anonymous
    Extremely interesting and comprehensive course. One suggestion would be to include a view of the current economic situations on reserves and elsewhere in the provinces. Maybe profile more people with various jobs, as well.

    The graphics were very appealing as were the presentors. My only suggestion here is to sound more spontaneous and less academic. It seemed as though the content was being read.

  • Anonymous
    Boring format. Video recording of professor talking. (Read the course notes, it’s faster.). Have done many MOOGs and they have been far more engaging. So disappointing.
  • Karen Hoersch
    1
    Absolutely informative would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn about the indigenous and metis peoples.
  • Profile image for Guy Quintin
    Guy Quintin
    1 Emigrating from Germany to Alberta in 1955, I had no knowledge of Indigenous peoples or their nations. This course is very helpful, as I also critiqued indigenous literature for Alberta Ed . which are designated for inclusion in the new AB curriculum.

    2. It was very helpful for me, to create a timeline for several units full of dates.( Would also be advantageous for students.)

    3. In lesson 12- you are missing the vast establishment of Eskimo Prints and world renown Eskimo carvings.

    4. You did not mention Dream Catchers as a Native Art form????

    Christa,PhD.

  • Anonymous
    Would absolutely recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn humanities and the arts from an indigenous perspective!! Loved this course!
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