D2. Truth, Reconciliation, and Renewal
Specific Expectations
D2.1
analyse a variety of cultural observances/events in terms of their contribution to truth, reconciliation, and renewal related to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional knowledge and customs (e.g., the Back to Batoche Festival celebrates and promotes understanding of Métis culture; the Arctic Winter Games build awareness of the values of Inuit and other northern cultures by facilitating social, cultural, and economic exchange among circumpolar communities; First Nations vigils provide opportunities for cooperative organization and shared knowledge building)
- How do seasonal gatherings of communities belonging to the same culture help families understand traditional knowledge and customs? What other purposes do such gatherings have?
- How does an Indigenous arts festival, such as the ImagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival, help change misconceptions about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and cultures?
D2.2
analyse a variety of efforts to promote First Nations, Métis, and Inuit environmental knowledge and perspectives in terms of their contribution to truth, reconciliation, and renewal related to the land (e.g., the 2015 Sacred Water Walk promoted understanding of the connection between people and the land by raising awareness of oil spills and train derailments that have caused harm to the Great Lakes and St Lawrence River; teach-ins hosted by Indigenous movements such as Idle No More offer grassroots perspectives on environmental protection; environmental scientists who draw on Inuit observations of changes in climate and/or biodiversity in the Arctic raise awareness of the value of Indigenous ecological knowledge), making inferences about the beliefs and values that motivate these actions
- How do Indigenous environmental studies and science programs help postsecondary students prepare for work with Indigenous communities in the field of environmental protection? What values underlie this work?
- In what ways have Indigenous-led organizations incorporated various ways of knowing into their work on environmental justice and Indigenous rights? How has this contributed to truth, reconciliation, and renewal?
D2.3
analyse the impact on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals in Canada of various government policies and actions intended to affirm truth, reconciliation, and renewal related to decolonization (e.g., the Ipperwash Inquiry brought attention to police negligence and political bias, culminating in the return of disputed territory; the creation of Nunavut facilitated a consensus approach to self-governance, restoring Inuit values and traditions to the political process; Canada’s statement of support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirms the commitment of the Canadian state to promoting and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world)
- How has the consensus approach to governance in Nunavut brought attention to Inuit knowledge, world views, and aspirations?
- How has the formal apology by the Canadian federal government to former students of Indian residential schools affected non-Indigenous attitudes towards assimilation and diversity? What consequences has the apology had for residential school survivors?
- How does the tripartite memorandum of understanding between the Métis Nation of Ontario, the government of Canada, and the province of Ontario advance self-governance and reconciliation?
D2.4
analyse the impact on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals in Canada of various judicial/legal actions intended to affirm truth, reconciliation, and renewal regarding Aboriginal title, treaty rights, and nation-to- nation relationships (e.g., court actions to protect Aboriginal fishing rights substantiate treaty obligations in law; the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms precludes the use of the charter to diminish existing Aboriginal rights; the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement is dedicated to achieving Inuit social, cultural, and economic well-being through its implementation)
- How do cases such as Mikisew Cree First Nation v. Canada, 2005, build understanding and acceptance of First Nations rights related to treaty relationships and traditional land use? In your opinion, how has the case affected public perceptions of these values? How might this case affect land claims in Ontario?
- How did Delgamuukw v. British Columbia, 1997, change the way oral history is viewed in terms of historical evidence about Aboriginal title?
- What are some implications of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement for reconciliation? Do you think the agreement supports a nation-to-nation relationship? Why, or why not?
- How does section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, set the stage for advancing reconciliation between First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities and Canadian society?