Classes & Resources

related courses currently offered

ANTH 395 - Indigenous Peoples in Canada / SOCI 395 - Indigenous Peoples in Canada

This course is an introduction to the culture, languages, history and enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It will explore a range of indigenous social and cultural formations. Attention will be given to the cultural, economic, political, and religious aspects of Indigenous societies, as well as the changes that have occurred since the arrival of the Europeans.

EDUC 496 - Indigenous Perspective in Education

A study of indigenous culture and worldview, the history of Indigenous education in Canada, current social, economic, political, and ethical issues affecting Indigenous education, and the current structure and status of Indigenous education in British Columbia, with an emphasis on indigenous language preservation and education. Understanding and integrating Indigenous learning, epistemologies and pedagogical approaches, literature and learning resources is the key focus of inquiry, supporting the consideration of teaching and learning in diverse classrooms that include Indigenous students, as well as, teaching and learning in Indigenous schools.

ENGL 240 - Indigenous Literatures

Indigenous Literatures introduces the burgeoning field of Indigenous literary studies, with a focus on literature written by Canadian Indigenous and Métis authors, poets and playwrights. Applying “First Peoples Principles of Learning,” students will discuss, experience, examine and write about several genres, including oral traditions, poetry, drama, fiction and non-fiction. Through literature and language, students will explore the key themes of local knowledge and place, respect, resilience, and trust.

HIST 135 - Globalization, Co-Existence, and Identity

Examines the construction of past events that make up the body of knowledge known as PreConfederation Canada; explores alternative forms of understanding Canada's past and the possibility of a history of relation; dialogues with indigenous and newcomer ways of knowing; reimagines Canada's past in the formation of identity and nationalism, colony and empire, and co-existence and partnership in local, national and global contexts. Considers how representations of Canada's past continue to shape relations between indigenous nations and settler society, Quebec and Canada, and Canada and the globe.

HIST 340 - Issues in First Nations- Canadian Relations

Explores specific events that have shaped the relationship between First Nations, Inuit and Metis and the Canadian state and have informed the interaction between indigenous peoples and settler society. Weekly seminars will cover topics such as the Indian Act, reserves, treaties, violence against indigenous women, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, economic development and sustainability, crime and punishment, art and cultural representation, and activism and resurgence. The thematic approach will explore different visions for how indigenous communities and Canadian society can live together in a good way.

HIST 540 - Issues in First Nations - Canadian Relations

Examines the history of First Nations in Canada from pre-contact with newcomers through to the present time. Broad economic, social, and political themes that intersect with the history of its original peoples is covered including early encounters, fur trade economy, governmental policy, Christianity and culture, education, reservations and land claims. It surveys the major eras—assimilation, protection, civilization, marginalization, and integration—by specifically highlighting the observations and experiences of First Nations.

IDIS 201 - Indigenous People of Turtle Island

This course investigates the origins of Indigenous people of Turtle Island and Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. In particular, it evaluates Canada's present relationship with the Stó:lō people. The course explores and analyzes the concepts of sovereignty and socio-cultural worldview and identifies the place and centrality of the Stó:lō people in Canada. The course will survey current Stó:lō people /settler religious encounters, consider important local themes, names, and stories, identify significant issues of interpretation, and reflect on possible future paths for Stó:lō /settler peoples.

POLS 237 - Co-Existence, Genocide, Reconciliation: Indigenous Nationhood and Canada / HIST 237- Co-Existence, Genocide, Reconciliation: Indigenous Nationhood and Canada

The history of First Nations, Métis Nations and Inuit Nations in Canada from time immemorial through to the present from various perspectives gained from interactions with Indigenous authors and guest speakers and cultural experiences such as immersion trips to Indigenous territories. Engage broad economic, social and political themes associated with Canada's settler society and gain cultural intelligence by analyzing from an Indigenous perspective how standard narratives of progress shaped early encounters, the fur trade economy, governmental policy, Christianity and culture, residential schools, land reserves and self- government. Considers the ways in which Indigenous nations utilized and reshaped Canada's historical narrative to resist assimilation, paternalism, civilization, marginalisation, and integration. Examines arguments for partnership, cooperation, negotiation and reconciliation in a movement towards peaceful co-existence.


Resources

TWU Norma Marion Alloway Library - Indigenous Peoples Research Guide
A guide for finding information on First Nations, Aboriginal people, Inuit, and Metis.