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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Indigenous Canada by University of Alberta

4.8
stars
21,725 ratings

About the Course

Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions....

Top reviews

MD

Jul 2, 2021

This course was very interesting and very informative. Not only did it help correct stereotypes or prejudices, it showed a wide range of subjects pertaining to global and specific Indigenous cultures.

LJ

May 5, 2022

I really enjoyed this course. I liked that it was taught by indigenous peoples from their perspective. I feel much more confident in my knowledge regarding indigenous issues and traditions. Thank you!

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226 - 250 of 7,644 Reviews for Indigenous Canada

By Teresa T

Mar 20, 2022

I want to start off my review by saying how incredibly disgusted I am knowing how the Canadian Government has treated Indigenous peoples both passed and present.  Being educated in Ontario Catholic school system during the 70’s, I don’t recall being taught about Indigenous life, there may have been some historical teachings about the Fur Trade, I do recall watching short films about Inuit life particularly, but nothing like what I have learned taking this course.  

 I strongly believe that if the Canadian Government  and the Catholic Faith & all organized religions that were involved in the residential school’s,  really want to make amends, and for healing to happen, there needs to be omission and hard honest truths spoken to all Canada people about the transgressions that have happened and to  call it what it was A GENOCIDE.    As a Canadian, I am embarrassed to admit that I had very little understanding about Indigenous Culture, not having an understanding of treaties and the importance of them and really only learned about the Residential Schools when I was in my 20.  Even then,   I still did not have the complete picture.  

Over the years I have come to know that there was much abuse that happened and could not understand how this was allowed to continue for so long.  Like every one else in the last couple of years hearing about the RS, but unfortunately not socked by the horrible and unspeakable acts of indecency that have happened makes  me feel so angry and disgusted.  As did all the reports that started coming out about the sexual abuse casses of alter boys throught out North America. It was then that I stopd practising my faith.

On a more personal note, I am a survivor of childhood abuse & trauma, and know all too well the  lasting effects it has on ones life. It is something I live with everyday.   I have great empathy for those Indigenous lives in the past and present that are dealing with mental health & addiction issues because of there experiences.     I have been very fortunate in my life, I’ve been married for over 33 years to one of the most loving and supportive husbands a wife could every ask for.  I first met my husband when I was 16, and I’m 56 years old now.   I have been privilage more then most over my adult life in getting psychological thearpy. Even with the help I have gotten and all the hard work of self reflecting and personal growth, I still have and most likely will always have issues to deal with.  So for someone of Indigenous culture not having the same resources for help, is devastating because until one has recognition and closure, only then can healing begin.   Unless I’m miss understanding this, CG should be providing quality counselling for Indigenous families in crisis.  AND NOT WITH CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES. If it still exists. Thats a joke in and onto it self. 

Because of my childhood experiences, I have always struggled to believe in God, and even though I  practised my RC faith as a young person into adulthood. I was always seeking answers to the million questions I had, and still  felt unfulfilled.  I do believe in a God that is not of man made rule along with the Indigenous spiritual belief systems, as they truly resonate with me. Please I mean NO disrespect by stating this.  As well as along side  a little buddha teachings, as this is what brings peace to my heart and soul.  

In conclusion, now that I have a better understanding of Indigenous  worldview and beliefs’ I will do my part to the best of my ability to give back to Indigenous people and communities the best way I can.  I can not change the past, but I can contribute to making the life of Indigenous people better.   My next goal is to seek out businesses and artist  of Indigenous people  as my first attempt to giving back. Starting with reading THE COLONIAL PROBLEM, as an extension and complementary addition in gaining more knowledge of Indigenous life.    I will also share with my friends & family what I have learned and will encourage them to do this course.

Lastly I can not thank you enough for this course.  

 May the further for all Indigenous lives be more conclusive and respected everywhere.

Your friend 

Teresa.  

By Kim L R

Nov 15, 2021

I came to this course as an awkward 62 year old white woman who had enjoyed audio books written by indigenous authors and a very sketchy understanding of first nations history. I met the walkers for the 215+ I wanna come home group who were walking from Winnipeg to Kamloops carrying tiny moccasins. I met them on our nations first TRC day, Sept 30, 2021 in Moose Jaw. A friend posted a link to this course a few days later in Facebook, and inspired by the 215+ walkers, decided to match their journey by doing this course. I thought it would be easy.

I did not find this course to be “easy” .I was dealing with an old mind that had not studied in over 40 years. I was pushing through old ideas and beliefs, challenging them at every step. A module that was advertised to take 2 hours of study often took me four times that long. It took multiple tabs on Chrome, a history of Canada in an excel spreadsheet and pages of notes for me to plow through all this material. The language was tough for me, as my white ears struggled to spell and pronounce the indigenous names. All I can say is that it was worth it, and it comes easier to me now.

I cried through some of these modules. I realized how close I had been to so many important issues and things, but didn’t see them for what they were at the time. I have travelled extensively throughout this nation as a former military member. I need to make trips all over again to see what I missed the first time. I was posted in Cold Lake. How I wish I could have met Alex Janvier in the early 80’s when I was there, to see his art .I saw Trace at the Museum of Human Rights, but didn’t know the full story. I brought my grandsons to the Forks to see the rivers and to find Louis Riel’s grave, but was unable to tell them all the history that happened on those shores. I am much better equipped to do that now, thanks to this course.

This course could not have been easy to put together, and it is not lost on me that it needed to be severely edited to stay on track. As fast as I learned material, I wound up with more questions. I am very grateful to the teachers and presenters who brought this material my way. Please know my home in Moose Jaw on Treaty 4 land is open to you anytime you come through. I remain forever in your debt.

Kim Reynolds

By Mark E

Apr 26, 2022

I appreciate the information in this course. Truth is necessary, for me, as I have grown up and lived in communities where indigenious people live or have reserves close by. There were times when I would observe the result of years of trauma on a family and I would blame them because what they did was not the same as what I did. This course helped me gain much perspective on why things turned out the way they have.

My ignorance is rooted in all the typical misinterpreted beliefs of a privileged white man. My time from now on will be based on the truth in this course so I can reconcile my contribution to this problem. I hope to greet my indigenous ignorance with a new viewpoint to ask questions and listen to the lived experience of my friends who experienced colonialization with something they might like to share, and for me to learn. In the past, as a result of this course, the realization I ignored this information and believed the published media and bad rumors because of my position within society and the mistaken belief we are totally different.

Now as my friends are elders and use their traditional name more and more, I can begin to listen to their true answers.

One last thing. The treatment of all females, in our society, and particularly women of indigenous heritage, is something that has to change. As a white male I no longer put up with the toxic attitude toward women in general I used to just ignore when I was in the working world. The current highly misogynistic culture, in my opinion, being mostly a minority, but vocally and physically extreme people in our society need to be shown this society will not put up with any form of coercion, manipulation or abuse.

Our legal system has to give females more credibility and tools to expose this kind of behaviour and to stop it. All of society has to help with this problem.

I feel it is also up to me to speak up when necessary.

We are so much the same and should honor that truth.

I grew up on the land with the people who know it. Being in the urban environment now I still need to go out and listen to the forest. The older I get, the more the forest calls.

Living the same as I did would be wrong.

By Susan S

Aug 22, 2021

This course was personally fulfilling for me and I am both humbled and proud to complete it. Completing the course has given me a profound sense of all I didn't know about my own country's history but I committed to taking this course to start to rectify my own lack of knowledge. I guess I also took up the call to begin my own journey to truth and reconciliation and acknowledge my settler identity. I learned a great deal, too much to relate here. But, the instructors did a fantastic job of helping me 'relearn' and 'unlearn' much of what I remember from school history classes (and other post secondary classes). Those classes glossed over or didn't even mention Indigenous Peoples in Canada! I am ashamed I didn't know a lot about these First Peoples in Canada. As the instructors indicated, this is a primer course that could not cover everything, but contained so much valuable and rich information that will now motivate me to continue learning about the founding peoples of this land. I think one overarching message that will remain is the profound connection Indigenous Peoples have with the land, water and air, something we settlers just can't fully appreciate. Also, the connection with family and the importance of the wisdom of elders in passing down essential stories to younger generations. The respect for elders is again, something that is not universal in our settler, western society. Modules were really well organized and covered so many relevant topics and issues. Also, a big shout out to Leah Dorion whose vivid, colourful, impactful, provocative, humorous, thought-provoking and relatable artwork contributed so much to me to help me learn more during each of the modules. It was a pleasure to watch the final video on course art that really brought together her vision and thought processes for each piece. Kudos to the faculty for choosing to collaborate with her! I cannot say enough about the impact this course has had on me personally and I thank everyone involved at the university for putting this course together. It has truly been a gratifying experience for me.

By Diane S

Mar 17, 2022

This course is invaluable to my awareness of Indigenous history, the phases in Indigenous-European newcomer relationship, and the formation of Canada as a state. Concepts of world views and ways of knowing were new to me, and learning about the different views between Indigenous and European peoples early in the course gave context for the issues that inevitably arose in our mutual history. The progression from pre-contact, through the fur trade, treaty-making and government assimilation policy gave me an understanding of events in modern times - resistance, land claims, contesting & winning changes to questionable, often inhumane policy - holding the Canadian government accountable. We are now living a new phase of Indigenous-Settler relationship: mass awareness of the Truth, and reconciling; advocating for & implementing Indigenous self-government, ways of education, art, healing, technology and addressing climate change.

The course is well structured over 12 weeks to make the complex material accessible & manageable. The videos are a good length - bite-size yet substantial - and the added interviews give voice & perspective to the content. In particular, Kim Tallbear's commentary on feminist democratic science was stunningly eye-opening for me. It is enlightenment to realize that science as we know it could have the built-in bias of white western men. Leah Dorion's special art project is a moving addition, giving a creative mode of learning through symbolic imagery & story to the weekly lessons. There were many good resources for further inquiry into subject areas presented. Excellent program overall! I firmly believe that this course should be mandatory study in Canadian schools.

Miigwetch! Thank you!

By Laurence H V

Jul 23, 2021

I very much enjoyed this course. It provided me with an expanded perspective and a new lens for which me to look through at indigenous communities of Canada. This course has provide me with a base knowledge and insight into indigenous ways and laid the foundation for building blocks on an ever icreasing journey of knowledge about indigenous culture, history, art, believes, governence, gender and more. I learned things i didn't know, or where not taught, about the ways indegenous communities where treated because of colonialsm, by both church and state, and the resilancy of indegenous communties through unimaginable atrocities. It challenged my whiteness, my prespective and my own colonialist education. Changing the way I view, what I believe and how i see the impacts of what white settler colonialism has had and is still having on indigenous communities across Canada. How the indigenous communities of Canada have struggled, are struggling and continue to struggle against white settler colonialism and its systemic damaging effects to women, youth and the purposeful distruction of cultural identity in trying to "remove the indian" from indegenous communities via residential schools, the Indian Act and "lawful" means.

Thank you as well to all the facilitator, educators, story tellers and anybody who contributed to this immensely rich educational program. I very much appreciate the opportunity to watch, listen and follow along as I learned. Very much engaging a broad spectrum of educational inclusive tactics to engage a broad soectrum of learner needs, styles and mechanisms. I am grateful f

Amazingly well done

By Nataliia R

Jul 23, 2023

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional learning experience I had while participating in the "Indigenous Canada" course by the University of Alberta. As a person passionate about understanding and respecting Indigenous cultures and histories, this course has been an enriching journey for me.

I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the University of Alberta and all the faculty members involved in designing and delivering this eye-opening course. The dedication and expertise of the instructors were evident throughout the program, and their commitment to promoting Indigenous knowledge and perspectives was truly commendable.

The course "Indigenous Canada" provided me with a comprehensive and insightful overview of Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary issues in Canada. From the first module to the last, I was immersed in a wealth of knowledge that helped me gain a profound understanding of the diverse cultures, traditions, and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.

I was particularly impressed by the respectful approach taken by the course in presenting Indigenous perspectives. It encouraged me to critically reflect on my own biases and preconceptions, while fostering a deep appreciation for the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.

Please extend my gratitude to all the faculty members and staff involved in delivering the "Indigenous Canada" course. I look forward to engaging with your institution again in the future and continuing my pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

Thank you once again for this remarkable opportunity,

Nataliia Rosencranz.

By Karen K

Oct 5, 2021

Very informative. I have been trying to learn about the Indigenous ways of knowing and being - especially to do with the Justice system and the environment. I wish that Western society would wake up and understand that if we changed our philosophy of life to be more in tune with yours, a lot of our problems would disappear, and Mother Earth and all her inhabitants would be much better off.

I did know about the residential schools and their impacts quite a long time ago, ironically through a TV show on CBC called North of 60 which came out about 1990. It had a lot of amazing indigenous actors, and many of the characters had been to residential school and of course were still suffering from its impacts, and those of the Indian Act. I took a course in Indigenous Studies at university in the late 1970's. I remember learning about the White Paper, and for some reason thought it was a good thing. It was enlightening to see it through Indigenous eyes.

I am so glad that I took this course. It was recommended on CBC radio, and apparently also by Daniel Levy! My next goal in my learning is to read the Calls to Action from the TRC and to listen again to Roseanna Dearchild's interview of Murray Sinclair on CBC radio where he gives a great summary of what we can do to help make reconciliation happen. I feel that I have begun - I am a Kindergarten teacher and we just celebrated Orange Shirt Day. I found I was much better prepared to talk about such a difficult subject, even with children of such a young age, because of your course.

Thanks again!!.

By Robert J S

Apr 19, 2022

I found this course very instructive in providing me with a better understanding of Canada's complicated and often shameful history with Indigneous Peoples. Previously, I had some knowledge of the atrocities committed by colonialists and our government against Indigenous Peoples but this course enlightened me even further to the extent and nature of theses atcrocities. It is a dark history and I hope Canada takes more steps to repair the relationship and make restitution.

At the same time, the course gave me an appreciation, respect and sense of awe at the elaborate, intricate and knowledgable world views and cultural richness of Indigenous Peoples in what we now call Canada. I found a kinship with many of the Idigenous world views and life philosphies. I feel that in addresseing our current crises such as climate change, enviromental destruction, racism and many social issues, Canada and the world could benefit from the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, their perspectives and their knowledge.

I also enjoyed seeing all the beatiful peieces of art created by indigenous artists and the stories behind the art. I encourage all Canadian, Idigenous and non-Indigenous, to enroll in the course. Knowledge and education is always worthwhile and make us better individuals, neighbours, and citizens. I know I am a better person for having taken the course.

My thanks to the the University of Alberta and all the course presenters, staffers, technicians and others who had a hand in this course. Well done!

By Robert L

Nov 28, 2022

I really want to thank the University of Alberta and everyone involved in developing and delivering this course. I truly enjoyed every module and learned so much about some of the history and various experiences of Indigenous People of Canada. As a Polish/French Canadian born in Toronto in the late 1960's we truthfully never learned any of this in our history books during my time in grade and/or high school. During my university days in the late 1980's/90's, I was lucky to have some professors who did introduce me to some books which did help open my eyes to how poorly Indigenous People were treated in Canada. Having said that though, my knowledge was still pretty limited. Travelling and living in New Zealand for 10 years from 2006-2015 really opened my eyes to how poorly the Maori were treated in NZ and that is where I started to do more reading on my own to discover the horrible history in my own country of Canada. Coming back to Canada to work at the City of Edmonton has helped me to continue this journey as the City provided a number of opportunities for me to learn more. One of those opportunities was this amazing course. As I mentioned right at the beginning, I am so happy to have taken this course and I look forward to working with my Indigenous colleagues here at the City to help make Edmonton a more inclusive city for all of its residents; including its Indigenous People. Kindest regards, Robert Lipka - Principal Urban Designer - robert.lipka@edmonton.ca

By Adina L

Aug 15, 2021

Fabulous course! It's eye opening to hear the history of indigenous people from indigenous people......the differences in values- collective rights and wellness vs individual rights in European, the difference between the holistic views of the indigenous peoples and of interrelationship between people land, animals and spirits and the material, power and money perspective of the colonizers.......they couldn't have understood one another from the get go....it wasn't just a question of language.....they were coming from totally different worlds, values, systems of organizing, ways of being, beliefs, traditions ..., And yet from the time colonizers showed upon this soil indigenous people helped them - find food, dress, survive in this climate ..showing a more caring, sharing way of being and wisdom that is so badly needed these days .....now in 2021, we have a new Indigenous GG, a new Female head of the indigenous First Nations Council in Ottawa and hopefully the wisdom and leadership of these indigenous leaders as well as other indigenous leaders speaking across the country about the path of the "Truth and Reconciliation" journey led by indigenous peoples and their allies will usher in a new era of interdependence, sharing and caring which is much needed in Canadian society today.

By Darlene S

Jul 25, 2021

I simply cannot tell you how greatful I am to have taken this instruction. I now know that the information exisits and I just didn't know what I didn't know. I highly recommend that this become part of the high school cirric. across Canada.

Thank you to the instructors and the artist of engaging my learning in a subject that I knew next to nothing about and I consider myself a more educated allie to the indigenous community. I have a lot more learnin to do, more of a mind to open and the responsibility to speak with purpose to those that simply do not have the understand, knowledge or open mind and heart about the horrific history of past, and present. Changing the future in in my mind, in my heart and that is what I can offer now and forever. Seeking the knowldege feels like I am digging up history and that should not be. It is so hidden in this colonized world. I appreciate the resourses that I have been guided to use in my further education.

I am not pleased with my mark as it means that I made mistakes understanding and that cannot happen going forward. Being an adult student in a busy house is NO excuse at all.

Knowledge is Power. Heart and Mind open,

Darlene Anne Spray

By Darin J A

Sep 12, 2021

I already came to this course with an idea of the many dark effects that colonization has had on the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, but I have learned so much more. I think all Canadians should take the opportunity to learn this history. As a 6th generation Canadian with British and European ancestry, I don't know what part any of my ancestors might have played in the negative impacts on Indigenous peoples, but I do not assume that they did not. My next step is to familiar myself with the action items of the Truth and Reconciliation Commision to see how I can help all of us move closer to reconciliation...we still have a long way to go. As a music promoter/former festival programmer, I have had the honour of presenting Buffy Sainte Marie, Susan Aglukark, Elisapie, Digging Roots, Amanda Rheaume, and many other contemporary Indigenous musicians. It was also important to include more traditional forms of singing, drumming and dancing in a summer festival that celebrates Canadian Music & Art. Chi miigwech to all at the U of Alberta who have made this course happen.

By Rickey H

Aug 31, 2021

This course is fundamental in my overall understanding of Indigenous history, and contemporary issues and lives of Indigenous people living in Canada. I am particularly overjoyed at the addition of the artwork segments to tie in topics in a sometimes lighthearted way. By providing interviews and transcripts of Indigenous people (Kim Tallbear for example) has allowed me to explore resources beyond this course offering. Often times I asked myself as a settler in Canada, what am I suppose to do with all of this information? Do I need to regurgitate facts to colleagues and family members for this to be effective? And I am sure many people ask themselves the same thing prior to taking this course. I would remind them that useful information doesn't always need to fit into a toolbelt, and that simply providing yourself with the awareness of the Indigenous experience in Canada is enough. I am thankful to all of the instructors and participants in this course, it has been a wonderful experience. I implore Coursera to retain this course for all Canadians, and beyond.

By Diane C

Sep 11, 2021

Thank you for preparing and presenting this course. I learned a lot and it opens doors to learning more about First Nations in Canada, and also the world.

I am from French descent, and have lived in Ontario nearly all my life. I always felt like a minority, as we were surrounded by English villages. But always proud of my culture and language.

Growing up on a farm, we did not live close to Indigenous peoples and sadly were only taught what was in the textbooks at school.

I sincerely enjoyed learning about the Indigenous cultures in this course, and absolutely love and admire your world views especially on your relationship to the land and water, and how you are stewards of the land. Also about education, and how you teach your young, and how each is to be responsible, and the value of the Elders and Knowledge keepers. We (Europeans descendants) have so much to learn from Indigenous peoples.

I hope and pray that reconciliation will continue moving forward, and that we can live in respect and harmony.

Respectfully,

Diane Clément

By Elizabeth K

Dec 20, 2021

Very informative for me and I would guess a majority of Canadians who are not deeply involved in Indigenous experiences in a professional or personal capacity. Yes, there were lectures but the people speaking were all Indigenous and the interactive paintings were a unique, informative and enjoyable component. As a Canadian who is wanting to take action related to the Truth and Reconciliation Report, I highly vaue the information contained in the course. It is a beginning and provides many events and people whom I can further investigate. It has also motivated me to look around for what is happening in my own area. Many, many thanks to all of the people who pulled together this information and organized it in one accessible place. I highly recommend the course - no it is not perfect but it is certainly a welcome change to decades of my government silencing Indigenous voices and keeping most Canadians completely ignorant about Indigenous history in Canada and the appalling actions of government towards Indigenous people.

I

By angesheridan@yahoo.ca

Apr 8, 2023

I appreciated closing out the program with Indigenous Art and hearing from the artists throughout the sections! It has been a long time since I heard the story of Wisakedjak!

Although familiar with some of our Indigenous history, this introductory course has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the inter-generational affects on the Communities. I remember women being removed from their communities for marrying White...the idea of losing that connection with my family and our own history - not just for me, but my children - is losing a piece of myself. Putting myself in the shoes of the People who were affected by colonization creates a more horrifying and heart breaking view of Indigenous life.

The presenters did an amazing job! The people interviewed added to the information presented.

The discussion forums add to the course, and many times I wandered off to research topics that I felt needed more attention - which is what a great course should do - spark your interest and create conversation!

By Yvonne M D

Apr 8, 2021

I really enjoyed this course. I grew up in the Urban setting and was disconnected from my Native Roots, but always wanted to learn about this part of my heritage, even though it is a Canada program and I am an American, I felt at home, learning about the customs and tradition, I was never taught since my people passed as white and never practiced the old way of life, really helped me to understand more about my origins. I felt more connected to my heritage than I ever have, I just wish here in America was more like Canada, in how there is value in ones heritage in Canada, unlike here in America, where there is such a disconnect if you aren't living on the Res. The support outside the Res, like Neechi Commons, (Now Closed) friendship centers etc.... could really be beneficial in America, where there are Native Families who have never lived on a res and know so little about their culture, Great Program will recommend to anyone, even white folks, who seek a greater understanding of true history.

By Md. A H

Feb 28, 2023

I recently took the Indigenous Canada course offered by the University of Alberta through Coursera.com and found it to be an invaluable learning experience. The course is divided into 12 modules, each of which covers a different aspect of Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues. The lectures were informative and engaging, and the accompanying readings and videos were well-curated and provided further insight into the stories and topics discussed.

The course was also incredibly interactive, with quizzes and activities scattered throughout the modules. I found these to be incredibly helpful in reinforcing the learning material and I believe they are a great way to enhance the learning experience.

Overall, I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to gain a better understanding of Indigenous history, cultures, and contemporary issues. The course material is comprehensive, engaging, and interactive and provides a unique perspective that I believe everyone should be exposed to.

By Ellie W

Sep 25, 2022

This was a fantastic opportunity to learn the truth behind Canada's history and the many contemporary issues we have in society. I really appreciated the non-judgmental tone of the presenters and the content and how they present the facts. It helped me, as a learner to open my heart and mind to be receptive and consider the information laid out in each module. As a 55+ person, I did not learn about Canada from any other perspective than the colonial and patriarchal views of gov't officials, textbook publishers and newspaper/media outlets. I learned so much more from this course and I hope it's just the beginning of my journey to dig deeper and learn the truth. I am grateful to the dedicated team who designed and presented this course. Thank you. PS - The inclusion of the art component was brilliant! It invites vieweers to linger, and in turn can help people to connect and synthesize information. It also reinforces the message that First Nations art & culture are flourishing!

By Scott R

Jan 4, 2021

Really enjoyed this course. It explored a range of topics that I knew very little about, many of which should be included in basic school curriculums in Canada. I'm so happy to have gained a better understanding of indigenous people in Canada, both in historical context and contemporary issues. Thanks so much.

One perspective I felt could have been included in the course was the integral role of indigenous peoples in Canadian resource development and extraction. Despite many challenges, there have also been many success stories, particularly in the mining industry, in the form of collaboration agreements, aboriginal employment opportunities (often in isolated northern communities with high unemployment) and successful consultation/collaboration. Many mining projects have been beneficial to both indigenous communities and the Canadian economy as a whole, and I believe those success stories should be told as a "path forward" for all Canadians working in a resource-driven economy.

By Ryan B

Feb 10, 2021

This is and edit on my previous review (hopefully this is better) and pardon my terrible grammar .

I'm still a little late on this review in general since finishing this course. What do I say as someone who needed to learn more? I think I had to take it all in and truly think about it.

I thought because I had worked in a field where I worked with indigenous youth before that I had a decent idea about the dynamics of a culture that has been undermined. No I did not. I realized I had been ignorant at times. I think its something some people need to start acknowledging more about their privileged life. Many of us can be so much better.

Any "Canadian" should learn this course . Its so difficult to type anything about a whole course in a few sentences. If you're interested in learning and have an open mind.... which apparently is still needed... then take this course.

I'm going to be better, and I think we can all do that. Seems indigenous people knew that right from the start.

By Jan

May 1, 2020

I loved this course. I learned so much about Inidgenous history both past and recent and ongoing. I have a much better sense of the impact that colonialism had and is still having on Indigenous peoples . I also realize how my education in the Canadian education system is so onesideed so heavily influenced by colonialism . I know sadly that it has not changed very much ..This course should be a mandatory part of our current curriculum in schools across Canada,

I am so grateful for the all the participants in the lectures especially Billy Ray Belcourt , what a speaker!!!!!!!

I am so grateful for this clearer understanding of the Indigenous experience throughout Canadian history and what is still ongoing today. About Inidgenous Ar tI do have to say that I have always seen it as art. I have loved Inuit sculpture since I was a kid . I have read several Indigenous authors listened to Indigenous music just because, but I will understand more the place where it comes from within now.

By Lily A

Dec 9, 2021

This course is essential for all Canadians in order to understand indigenous history and culture as it relates to Canada. I am even more humbled by the richness, diversity and beauty of indigenous cultures and will continue to do my work on understanding more about where I live and who was here before us.

This course in beautifully crafted and organized. It has taught me that in order to live in Canada, everyone needs to face the facts about this great country. We need to face the ugliest parts of Canadian history as well as understand the incredible depth and diversity of the cultures that resided here long before settlers arrived.

Thank you to the facilitators who spoke and taught throughout the course and to all that put this amazing piece of education together. Also to the incredible artist we see in each section, whose work will have a lasting impression on me. It taught me so much. I know there is more to learn but this is an incredible start!

With love and gratitude....

By Jean-Francois P

Nov 9, 2020

Today I completed this program, and throughout each module, I was totally involved and learned so much about Indigenous cultures in Canada. To my total disappointment, I realized during the first few modules that our Federal and Provincial Governments and the educational system have lied and hidden so much from us, and I would even say purposely misinformed Canadians and the world about the abuse and the horrible treatments of Indigenous people.

I would suggest that this program be mandatory in all schools across the country from grade 4 or 5 up to grade 12 to properly educate and inform the young generations before their probably already racist entourage wrongly indoctrinates them.

Thank you to all who participated in researching, preparing, and delivering this seminal program that sheds an accurate perspective on Indigenous populations from 1534 to today.

Thank you to the three hosts for a wonderful experience. I am now a more aware, knowledgeable and thankful person.