Learn about the history, life, art, rights and activism of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and equip yourself with useful knowledge to defend the rights of indigenous populations.
In 2016 Canada vowed to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). But until today, many issues remain. According to Human Rights Watch access to safe drinking water, systemic discrimination, violence against women and lack of corporate accountability are some of the struggles Indigenous Peoples are facing in Canada. Their cultural heritage, ancestral lands and livelihoods have to be protected. If you want to work for organizations such as Cultural Survival, Amnesty International or Survival International, that defend Indigenous People’s Rights, the first step is to learn more about the issue and the lives of indigenous groups.
University of Alberta is offering an online course to explore the cultural traditions, lives, and struggles of indigenous communities in Canada. You will explore indigenous worldviews including from the Inuit, Nehiyawak, Kanien:keha’ka and Tlingit peoples and learn about the importance of storytelling and oral traditions in indigenous culture.
The 21-hours course will also provide you with insights on indigenous history, education, legal systems, rights, political conflicts, activism, societal hierarchies, daily life and forms of artistic expression. The course will also give valuable insights in indigenous gender roles, complex societal hierarchies and the social movements that arose from indigenous communities, including social and environmental activism that mobilized and created new communities. You will also learn about the risks and threats indigenous human rights defenders are facing, when they protect their ancestral lands or stand up against large corporations.
Taught by two professors at the Faculty of Native Studies of University of Alberta, the course is self-paced and can be taken entirely online. Taught through video lecturers and interactive activities the course is open for everyone but will be especially valuable for educators, NGO workers, policy officers and others who want to learn more about indigenous worldviews, traditions and rights.
While you can audit the course for free, you may choose to opt-in for a verified certificate for an extra fee. 97% of the learners of this course provided positive feedback. 84% rated it 5/5 and 14% rated it 4/5.
“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!” – Course participant
“A course that every Canadian needs to take to promote the healing of our nation.” – Course participant
“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.” – Course participant
“This course motivated me to do more to learn and contribute to the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition.” – Course participant
