Engaging Authentic Indigenous Histories

Watch the recordings of the 2016 Canada’s History Forum.

Hosted by Canada’s History Society

Posted November 27, 2016

Since the very first explorers landed upon North America’s shores, the histories of Indigenous peoples have been foundational to the larger story of the continent. As partners in commerce early on, Indigenous people were key to the exploration and development of the land which would become known as Canada.

Yet, the story of First Peoples in Canada has not always been told accurately, completely, or from the perspective of Indigenous people in our education systems or history books. Eclipsed by other histories early on, many stories remain to be told. In recent years, these stories have become important in understanding the evolution of the relationship between the continent’s original people and those who would seek to garner its wealth of resources and make it their new home.

The 150th anniversary of Confederation, combined with more recent awareness and acknowledgement of Canada’s residential school system, the Sixties Scoop, and the implementation of original numbered and modern treaty agreements made 2016 an ideal time in which to engage with these histories. The continuous and contemporary nature of Indigenous history as an ongoing public conversation makes the exploration of Indigenous histories, and the way that Indigenous and non-Indigenous people tell them, an important conversation about history, nation, and the archives.

Watch The Presentations

Stratégies pour la représentation authentique de l’histoire autochtone

In this presentation, Jonathan Lainey reflects on his twenty years of work in the field of history and Indigenous heritage. (This presentation is in French.)

Researching and Revealing Indian Hospitals in Canada

In this presentation, Dr. Maureen Lux shares a few stories that she found in the archival and oral history research for her book Separate Beds: A History of Indian Hospitals in Canada.

Revealing Indigenous History Through Oral Interviews

In this presentation, Dr. Nickel asks: How can we "do" Indigenous history without marginalizing the very voices we're trying to uncover?

Artist Megan Benoit on Medicinal Healing

Megan Benoit discusses her personal history and how she came to create her award-winning artwork “Medicinal Healing,” an abstract interpretation of the medicine wheel.

Bringing reconciliation into the classroom and the community

In this presentation, Lisa Howell discusses her approaches and experiences in teaching Indigenous history to elementary school students.

La déportation des Innus de Pakuashipi vers Unamen Shipu

In this presentation, Baudouin Lalo tells the story of his mother and the deportation of the Innu people from Pakuashipi to Unamen Shipu in the 1950s. (This presentation is in French.)

The Project of Heart in British Columbia

In this presentation, Gail Stromquist provides a survey of resources available to British Columbia teachers through Project of Heart while emphasizing the roles of education and youth in reconciliation.

Revising teaching practices in Canada with respect to Indigenous youth and history

In this presentation, Anne Tenning tackles the issues faced by Indigenous youth in the Education system.

Related to Canada's History Forum