Gathering Theme

Misconception: Métis equals mixed blood/race (any mixture of Indigenous and non-Indigenous blood/ancestry equals Métis identity).  Facts: In 2002, the Métis National Council adopted the following national definition for Métis identity: Métis means a person who: self-identifies as Métis, Is distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, Is of historic Métis Nation Ancestry, Is accepted by the Métis Nation. In 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the national definition of Métis and that Métis people have section 35 Aboriginal rights. The ancestors of the Métis Nation were the children of the unions between North American Indigenous mothers and European fathers. They developed…

The Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe *LOVE: it is important to care for one another
HONESTY: better to fail with honesty than succeed by fraud
RESPECT: give it, earn it, receive it
TRUTH: it is always easiest to speak the truth
HUMILITY: to be humble about your accomplishments is to be strong
COURAGE: let nothing stand in the way of doing the right thing
WISDOM: with hard work and dedication will come knowledge With the help of a talking stick, each person in the circle group will be listened to in turn, treated with respect and valued for their insights. In Zoom Circles, we create a…

In this first gathering we want to establish a climate of “mutual recognition and mutual respect” to use the words of the Truth and Reconciliation Report. No matter what your background and life experiences, we want to respect you, by listening to you and by recognizing the value of you as a person and what you have to bring to our gathering. It is important that we agree on this respect for one another at the outset.Our Circles give us a wonderful opportunity to meet one another, to get to know one another, to hear the stories of one another…

"Why do Indigenous people stay on reserves when there is often water that has to be boiled, mold in the houses, few educational opportunities and no jobs? For the sake of the children, why don’t they leave and come to the city?"This is a real question that was posed by a non-Indigenous person. The answers are somewhat complex.The answer provided to this person constitutes the text of our theme which was prepared by a non-Indigenous person. Use the controls on the grey bar below to access more viewing options and the download button.

MISCONCEPTION #9: There are no qualified Indigenous workers to hire.The Facts: Indigenous peoples have the education, skills and expertise required for jobs in all economic sectors.In 2016, the Indigenous population had a college/trades completion rate of 35.7% compared to non-Indigenous populations of 33.1%.19Indigenous young people (15-24 years) represent the fastest growing source of new workers, entrepreneurs and professionals.20Many services are available to help employers find qualified Indigenous employees. Use the controls on the grey bar below to access more viewing options and the download button.

This theme briefly summarizes seven major violations of the intent of the treaties to recognize, respect and acknowledge each Indigenous nation. It brings together an overview of policies and practices that have had, and continue to have, such a profound impact on the lives of Indigenous people in Canada. Use the controls on the grey bar below to access more viewing options and the download button.

Treaties did not “surrender or cede land”. In the understanding of Indigenous people they are considered sacred agreements between Nations, which covered more than just a transfer of territory.Treaties, while sometimes written over 100 to 200 years ago, are living partnerships and relevant documents today. Canadians are asked to learn about treaties and engage with Indigenous communities, embracing “We are all Treaty People” in an effort to better understand the partnership we have on shared land. Treaties represent promises made to Indigenous Nations that, in many cases, are simply not kept. Use the controls on the grey bar below to…

While the treatment of children varied from family to family, the children are united in the shared impacts on their connections to culture, identity and languages. While the operation of the child welfare system has experienced changes since the 1960s, it remains a critical failure in upholding basic rights, support for health and for the well being of Indigenous children in Canada.   Use the controls on the grey bar below to access more viewing options and the download button.

3. MISCONCEPTIONS: Indigenous peoples are responsible for their current situation.The Facts: Many factors have contributed to the situation of Indigenous peoples in CanadaPrior to European contact, Indigenous communities were strong and self-sufficient. While many Indigenous peoples were never conquered, the process of colonization resulted in their complete loss of control over their lives. For example:According to article 32 (1) of the Indian Act no band or band member could sell anything to anyone other than another band member without approval in writing from the superintendent.The Pass system, which was not repealed until 1941, required written permission from the Indian agent…

Getting beyond or removing the Indian Act, however, is not as simple as it sounds. The paradox of the act is that it is also integral to securing the legal protection of reserve land for the common use and occupation of First Nations—and there remains very little Canadian territory that is set aside specifically for Indigenous groups. For First Nations, the only way out from under the Indian Act is through the negotiation of self-government agreements, a process that is itself subject to some staunch criticisms. Use the controls on the grey bar below to access more viewing options and…