Have you ever wondered why Indigenous relations and reconciliation departments, ministries and agencies are so prevalent at every level of government in Canada (i.e., municipal, regional, provincial, federal, and in most corporations)? From a First Nation perspective, this is not really fair to First Nations because it is a fact that the majority of non-Indigenous Canadians know little about Canada's colonial history (i.e., Indian Act, Indian Reserve System, Canada's Indian Residential School System). It is a common misconception among many Canadians that First Nation people receive an abundance of privileges and benefits without fully grasping the historical costs borne by Indigenous peoples over the past 200 years. This lack of understanding often leads to misconceptions and misinterpretations about the realities faced by Indigenous communities in Canada.
Many Indigenous communities have endured centuries of systemic marginalization, cultural suppression, and dispossession of their lands. Historical policies like the Indian Act, the Indian Reserve System, and the Indian Residential School System have had devastating and long-lasting effects on Indigenous cultures, languages, and ways of life.
Indigenous cultural awareness training may be necessary if:
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING FORMATS
BUSINESS SECTOR
A. SMALL BUSINESS (< 50 EMPLOYEES) - $2,000 PER YEAR
This package includes:
B. MEDIUM -SIZED BUSINESS (51 - 249 EMPLOYEES) - $5,000 PER YEAR
This package includes:
C. LARGE BUSINESS (250+ EMPLOYEES) - $20,000 PER YEAR
This package includes:
GOVERNMENT SECTOR
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND OTHER NGO'S - $500 per 2-hour session
A. CANADA'S COLONIAL HISTORY
CANADA'S INDIAN ACT
Learning outcomes include raising awareness and understanding of:
CANADA'S INDIAN RESERVE SYSTEM
Learning outcomes include strengthening one’s understanding of:
CANADA'S INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM
Learning outcomes include strengthening one's understanding of:
BAND OFFICE AS AN INSTITUTION
Learning outcomes include:
B. THE BASICS
Learning outcomes:
C. TRUTH & RECONCILIATION
The Cambridge Dictionary defines reconciliation as “a situation in which two people or groups of people become friendly again after they have argued.” The term reconciliation came into prominent usage following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Executive Summary in 2015. From a First Nation perspective, reconciliation is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Indigenous engagement.When referencing reconciliation, the healing journey of individual Indian Residential School Survivors must always be the priority. Reconciliation in this regard, must always be a possibility.Confusion results when reconciliation is discussed in the context of an entire Indigenous population (approximately 1.5 million in 2015). In this case, it is highly doubtful reconciliation is possible. Reconciliation in this regard must take into account the devastating impacts and implications of colonial, racist, segregatory Canadian legislation (Indian Act) and systems (Canada’s Indian Reserve System & Canada’s Indian Residential School System. Reconciliation in this context must involve Canada’s long unanswered and neglected ‘land question’. Over 630 land & territory questions remain unanswered across what is now, Canada.
Learning outcomes:
D. CANADA'S LAND QUESTION
How did the British Crown acquire its rights to the territory we now call British Columbia? The Royal Proclamation of 1763 ‘recognized the right of Indians to unceded lands in their possession, protected the Indians interest in those lands. British and then Euro-Canadian rule was enacted by sheer force of numbers as settlers overwhelmed fragments of Aboriginal populations who had survived the first waves of epidemic diseases brought by European fur traders during the eighteenth century. Aboriginal rights are collective rights of distinctive Indigenous societies flowing from their status as the original peoples of Canada. These rights are recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Although the Constitution does not define Aboriginal rights, these rights can include Aboriginal title; right to occupy and use lands and resources (i.e., for hunting, fishing and gathering purposes); self-government rights; and cultural and social rights. Aboriginal rights will vary amongst First Nation groups according to distinctive cultures.
Learning outcomes:
OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEADERSHIP
Learning outcomes:
The Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training Backgrounder (ICATB) is a 53-page document that overviews all eight critical aspects of Indigenous engagement. The ICATB will not make you an expert in Indigenous engagemnet but provides a strong foundation on which to build your Indigenous cultural awareness knowledge. The ICATB can be purchased as a standalone or as part of a Indigenous training program Please call Maynard for more details.
'COLONIZED' REHAB is a secure, guided platform for constructive dialogue, engaging Indigenous and non-Indigenous critical thinkers who are keen on dispelling all-too-common misperceptions surrounding Canada'a Indigenous communities. Through these discussions, we delve into the repercussions of Canada's history of colonization on First Nation societies. We actively encourage the exploration of challenging subjects like reconciliation, Canada's territorial matters (including treaty negotiations), white privilege, racism, systemic biases, and leadership dynamics. All participants are expected to engage critically. This decolonization initiative is pertinent not only to non-Indigenous individuals but also prompts elected Indigenous leaders to scrutinize the extent of colonization's influence on their efforts towards community well-being. Within this adaptable framework, Colonized Rehab addresses inquiries that may evoke apprehension yet are crucial for a comprehensive and healthful progression forward.
For example:
Colonized Rehab participants will leave with:
Colonized Rehab content aligns with Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training Backgrounder (ICATB).
E-mail Maynard at maynard (@) indigenousinsight.ca to schedule a customized Colonized Rehab virtual (or in-person) session for your organization.
Next Colonized Rehab session: November 3, 2023 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm Pacific time)
Thich'ala is Founder, Mumatla Kanem and Partner, Advanced Business Match.
Mumatla Kanem aims to empower individuals to develop their thoughts on a wide variety of contentious topics so that, in the future, participants will present themselves and their opinions with confidence
Ace has roots in the Xwe’malhkwu Nation but, due to the reloca
Thich'ala is Founder, Mumatla Kanem and Partner, Advanced Business Match.
Mumatla Kanem aims to empower individuals to develop their thoughts on a wide variety of contentious topics so that, in the future, participants will present themselves and their opinions with confidence
Ace has roots in the Xwe’malhkwu Nation but, due to the relocation of her family, grew up primarily on the lands of the Tla’amin Nation.
Ace offers an Indigenous youth perspective that is built upon a rejection of assimilation, white supremacy, and English. She recognizes the best way to protect Indigenous lands is by protecting Indigenous language and leadership.
16 years into a classical piano education, and an International Baccalaureate/Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific graduate. She would rather be a fluent speaker in her language.
qajishtum ta nish ethamuxshem ta mumatla
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