Indigenous Peoples of Canada

They are the traditional inhabitants of Canada. The population of indigenous peoples is rising

First Nation

Refers in particular to governments or communities of native peoples. First Nations representatives, the assembly of First Nations.

Metis

Traditionally the descendants of Indigenous women and fur traders. Now they are people with mixed First Nations & European ancestry.

Inuit

People who live in Arctic Canada. “Inuit” is many people while “Inuk” is one person

Aboriginal

We do not use this term much anymore

How about people in general?

Gord Downie

He started the Secret Path Fund for Truth and Reconciliaiton

Chief Seattle

In 1851, he was asked to sell two million acres of land in Washington State for $150K to the US Government. He made a powerful speech about how he has a heartfelt love for the Creator and the environment. He questioned whether the white man would honour his promises.

Daphne Odjig

She is a Metis women who founded the Woodlands School Arts Movement. She and others were referred to as the Indigenous Group of Seven. She promoted native art and put on art exhibitions in Canada and other countries around the world. She was presented with the Order of Canada and Governor General’s Award. As well as 5 honorary doctorates.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

She is the patron saint of Native Americans, First Nations Peoples, integral ecology, and the environment. She was born in 1656, Fonda New York. She is an orphan. She became a Christian at 20. She become devoted to Jesus She is known as the “Lily of the Mohawks” and the “Beautiful Flower Among True Men”

Respect and Disrespect

Cultural Appropriation

The unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people of society. The act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture.

Cultural Appreciation