D3. National and Regional Leadership
Specific Expectations
D3.1
identify some key First Nations, Métis, and Inuit national/regional political organizations in Canada (e.g., Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council, Chiefs of Ontario, Métis Nation of Ontario, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador), and explain their policies and governance structures
- How do citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario ensure that their government is responsive to their concerns?
- To whom are Indigenous national and regional political organizations in Canada accountable? In your opinion, do these organizations assist First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities primarily to resist or to support federal government policies? What evidence can you provide?
D3.2
identify and describe various events and/or strategies that demonstrate the ability of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leaders to influence public awareness of Indigenous realities in Canada (e.g., Elijah Harper’s filibuster to prevent a vote on the Meech Lake Accord raised public awareness of its flaws; Phil Fontaine publicized the issue of physical and sexual abuse at residential schools by giving personal testimony and meeting Pope Benedict XVI to obtain an apology for the harm done by the Catholic Church; Clément Chartier advanced the acknowledgement of Métis people as a distinct Indigenous group by spearheading a drive for constitutional recognition; Jose Kusugak asserted the continued importance of Indigenous languages by leading efforts to establish a standardized Inuktitut writing system; Beverley Jacobs organized the first Native Women’s Association of Canada summit to promote awareness of issues of concern to Indigenous women)
- How might the Assembly of First Nations national Chief utilize the position to raise awareness of First Nations aspirations? What specific examples can you give?
- How has Cassondra Campbell’s leadership of the National Aboriginal Initiative influenced the work of the Canadian Human Rights Commission?
D3.3
assess various strategies and initiatives to address national/regional social issues affecting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in terms of their influence on public policy and law (e.g., with reference to Mary Two-Axe Earley’s submission to the Royal Commission on the Status of Women regarding discrimination against status Indian women; the National Indian Brotherhood’s policy paper Indian Control of Indian Education; the Kelowna Accord agreements to improve education, employment, and living conditions for Indigenous peoples; the work of the Native Women’s Association of Canada to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women; Cindy Blackstock’s efforts to address discriminatory practices involving Indigenous children; the efforts of the Pauktuutit organization to support the social, cultural, political, and economic betterment of Inuit women)
- The government of Canada and some religious leaders have apologized to First Nations peoples for the abusive experiences endured by children in the residential school system. What is the political significance of such apologies? In your opinion, have formal apologies contributed to social and/or educational reforms for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada? What evidence can you provide to support your opinion?
- Why is it important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and organizations to continue to raise awareness of social injustices against First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities?
D3.4
assess various strategies and initiatives to address national/regional environmental issues affecting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in terms of their influence on public policy and law (e.g., with reference to the grievance put before the United Nations Human Rights Council by the Comprehensive Land Claims Coalition; the organization of Idle No More in response to the Navigable Waters Protection Act embedded in the omnibus Bill C-45 of 2012; a Federal Court of Appeal challenge launched by the Coastal First Nations against the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines project; written support from the David Suzuki Foundation for Inuit opposition to underwater seismic testing at Clyde River, Nunavut; Matthew Coon Come’s paddle protest to stop the Hydro-Québec Great Whale project; Neil Young’s Honour the Treaties tour highlighting the growing environmental impact of oil sands development)
- In your opinion, how effective is legal action as a way to obtain justice for treaty violations that affect the land and the environment? What evidence can you provide?
- In what ways has the Idle No More movement influenced public environmental policy in Canada?
- What were some consequences of the public outcry about mercury poisoning in the First Nation community of Grassy Narrows?