Quote: "Indigenous peoples in Canada comprise the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis."
The study of the cultures, languages, histories, and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities.
The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada: This topic covers the pre-colonial period, the impact of colonialism, residential schools, residential school system, and ongoing efforts by Indigenous peoples towards decolonization and self-determination.
Identity and culture: This topic explores the rich and diverse cultures, languages, and identities of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including the significance of ceremonies, treaties, and land.
Indigenous governance and politics: This topic covers the traditional forms of governance and matriarchal systems, as well as contemporary issues like land rights, sovereignty, and self-governance.
Residential schools and the Indian Residential School System: This topic examines the history of the residential school system and its devastating impacts on Indigenous peoples, including intergenerational trauma and loss of identity and culture.
Indigenous health and wellness: This topic focuses on the unique health needs of Indigenous peoples, including traditional healing practices and the impacts of colonialism on mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Environmental justice and Indigenous knowledge: This topic explores the traditional ecological knowledge of Indigenous peoples, their relationship with the land, and their efforts towards environmental justice and sustainability.
The role of Indigenous women: This topic focuses on the leadership and resilience of Indigenous women, including their roles in community building, activism, and preserving cultural traditions.
Contemporary Indigenous issues: This topic covers contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples, such as missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system, and ongoing reconciliation efforts.
Cultural revitalization and healing: This topic explores efforts towards cultural revitalization and healing, including language and cultural preservation, traditional healing practices, and community-based approaches to reconciliation and healing.
Indigenous arts and literature: This topic celebrates the artistic and literary contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including their unique styles and perspectives on the world.
Indigenous History: Examines the experiences and contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society from pre-contact to the present day.
Indigenous Politics: Explores Indigenous governance and political systems, both historical and contemporary, and investigates the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.
Indigenous Law: Focuses on the legal traditions and protocols of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including customary law and treaty rights.
Indigenous Language and Culture: Studies the unique language, cultural practices, and values of Indigenous communities in Canada, including their relationship with the land and the natural environment.
Indigenous Literature and Art: Examines the diverse artistic expressions and literary traditions of Indigenous peoples, including storytelling, visual arts, music, and film.
Indigenous Health: Investigates the social determinants of Indigenous health, including the impact of colonialism and racism on Indigenous peoples, and addressing the challenges and opportunities for improving Indigenous health outcomes.
Indigenous Education: Examines the history and current state of Indigenous education in Canada, including the challenges and opportunities for enhancing Indigenous student achievement and promoting cultural responsiveness.
Indigenous Gender and Sexuality: Explores the experiences and unique perspectives of Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada, addressing the intersectionality of these identities with race, class, and other factors.
Quote: "Although Indian is a term still commonly used in legal documents, the descriptors Indian and Eskimo have fallen into disuse in Canada, and many consider them to be pejorative."
Quote: "Old Crow Flats and Bluefish Caves are some of the earliest known sites of human habitation in Canada."
Quote: "Projectile point tools, spears, pottery, bangles, chisels, and scrapers mark archaeological sites, thus distinguishing cultural periods, traditions, and lithic reduction styles."
Quote: "The characteristics of Indigenous culture in Canada includes a long history of permanent settlements, agriculture, civic and ceremonial architecture, complex societal hierarchies, and trading networks."
Quote: "Métis of mixed ancestry originated in the mid-17th century when First Nations and Inuit people married European fur traders, primarily the French."
Quote: "Today, it is a common perception that Aboriginal peoples in Canada have the right to self-government to provide an opportunity to manage historical, cultural, political, health care and economic control aspects within First Nation's communities."
Quote: "As of the 2021 census, the Indigenous population totaled 1,807,250 people, or 5.0% of the national population."
Quote: "There are over 600 recognized First Nations governments or bands with distinctive cultures, languages, art, and music."
Quote: "National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples to the history of Canada."
Quote: "First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of all backgrounds have become prominent figures and have served as role models in the Indigenous community and help to shape the Canadian cultural identity."