Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions.
Offered By
University of Alberta
33,056 enrolled
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
11 hour to complete
Worldview
In this introductory module, students learn the significance of stories and storytelling in Indigenous societies. We explore history that comes from Indigenous worldviews, this includes worldviews from the Inuit, Nehiyawak, Kanien:keha’ka and Tlingit peoples.
4 videos (Total 51 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
2 readings
Worldview Course Notes10m
Interactive Painting: A Tribute to Aboriginal Women10m
1 practice exercise
Module 1 Quiz10m
Week
22 hours to complete
Fur Trade
This module discusses pre-contact trading systems between Indigenous peoples of North America with a focus on the geographical region of Canada. We examine the chronological events of contact with Europeans and the events leading up to, and during the fur trade. This module also explores the long lasting social, political and economic ramifications of the fur trade on Indigenous peoples.
5 videos (Total 72 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
Colonization12m
The Fur Trade Part 127m
The Fur Trade Part 215m
Frank Tough13m
2 readings
Fur Trade Course Notes10m
Interactive Painting: Education10m
1 practice exercise
Module 2 Quiz28m
Week
32 hours to complete
Trick or Treaty
Examines Indigenous and settler perspectives of treaty making. Discusses the variation of treaties in Canada and the unique circumstances surrounding these events. Outlines the temporal and geographical history of the numbered treaties (beginning on the east) and ends with a discussion of the historical events and policies leading up to Métis scrip.
5 videos (Total 65 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
Numbered Treaties Part 112m
Numbered Treaties Part 28m
Numbered Treaties Part 36m
The Métis Nation19m
2 readings
Trick or Treaty Course Notes10m
Interactive Painting: Governance10m
1 practice exercise
Module 3 Quiz40m
Week
41 hour to complete
New Rules, New Game
This lesson begins with a discussion about what is distinctive in Indigenous legal traditions. Explores impacts of policies put in place as British North America attempted to solidify itself geographically and socially. Examines the ways in which the Indian Act contributed to assimilation.
3 videos (Total 44 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
2 readings
New Rules, New Game Course Notes10m
Interactive Painting: Governance10m
1 practice exercise
Module 4 Quiz24m
4.8
302 ReviewsTop Reviews
Excellent course that provides a great foundation for learning about Indigenous cultures and worldviews. Provides thoughtful topics to explore and insightful knowledge. I highly recommend this course!
This course was eye-opening and an essential learning experience for my work with First Nations children and their families. I have and will continue to recommend this course to my colleagues.
Instructors
Dr. Tracy Bear
Assistant ProfessorFaculty of Native Studies & Dept. of Women's and Gender Studies
Dr. Paul Gareau
Assistant ProfessorFaculty of Native Studies
About University of Alberta
UAlberta is considered among the world’s leading public research- and teaching-intensive universities. As one of Canada’s top universities, we’re known for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering and health sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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