Lesson - Addressing Settler Colonialism and Ecocide

Overview

In this section of the resource:

Settler Colonialism

Settler colonialism occurs when colonizers invade and occupy territory to permanently replace the existing society with the society of the colonizers. [...] Patrick Wolfe theorized settler colonialism as a structure (rather than an event) premised on the elimination rather than exploitation of the native population, thus distinguishing it from classical colonialism. Wolfe also argued that settler colonialism was centered on the control of land and that it continued after the closing of the frontier.
- Wikipedia

Settler colonialism in Canada is the continuation and the results of the colonization of the assets of the Indigenous peoples in Canada. As colonization progressed, the Indigenous peoples were subject to policies of forced assimilation and cultural genocide. [...] The traditional governance of many of the First Nations was replaced with government-imposed structures. Many of the Indigenous cultural practices were banned. First Nation's people status and rights were less than that of settlers. The impact of colonization on Canada can be seen in its culture, history, politics, laws, and legislatures.
- Wikipedia

General Education Resources

8th Fire Series - General Overview of History and Contemporary Issues
Beyond 94
Dr. Debbie Reese Nyman - An Illustrated Record of My Indigenous Spotlight Lecture at 2020 Ontario Library Association Super Conference
Deepening Knowledge
Indigenous Peoples: A Guide to Terminology (free download)
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Association of Ontario
Land Back is Climate Policy Report (PDF)
Learning for Justice www.learningforjustice.org
- Indigenous Peoples' History webinar
Lessons from the Earth and Beyond - Website for educators by educators on how to use Indigenous Knowledge in partnership with local communities. Lesson plans, activities and videos provided.
Natural Curiosity
Orange Shirt Society Reconciliation resources
Truth Before Reconciliation: Indigenous Law and Legal Orders digital publication designed for students and teachers
First Nations Child & Family Caring Society - Examples on how to bring reconciliation into the classroom
Walking Alongside - McGill University

3rd Report (2021) on Ontario's First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework:

Brief overview of colonialism and the impacts on Indigenous Peoples

This video highlights the impacts of gaps in education and the opportunities to improve the quality of life for all Canadians.

Through her talk, "Canada’s State of Emergency and How We Can Protect our Collective Futures", Pamela Palmater speaks about the impact that the modern lifestyle has had on the environment and the way the hundreds of years of colonial history within Canada are still echoing today. She discusses solutions to moving together in solidarity with one another for a world that cares for the land, one another and future generations. Pamela aims to unroot the echoes of the past by shedding new light on matters concerning her research.

Performing Arts Resources

CODE’s In a Good Way: Drama, Dance and Indigenous Studies teacher resource (PDF)
CODE’s Meaningful Integration of Indigenous Content Youtube
First Nations, Metis and Inuit Educators' Association of Ontario webinar with playwright Drew Hayden Taylor
Five Protocols of Theatrical Indigeneity - Podcast
Ndo-Mshkawgaabwimi (We all are standing strong Indigenous panel at Stratford)
PJ Prudat – Playwright and Actress
Storytelling and strength: Voices from Indigenous theatre in Canada (Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences)
Ontario Council for the Arts video: Indigenous Arts Protocol.
OTF Connects webinar - FNMIEAO with CODE: Decolonizing Voice. Whose voice is it? (1:32:30)

Community Practitioners

Search the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance: https://ipaa.ca/indigenous-organizations/

Indigenous Dance Performances:

Santee Smith (Kaha:wi Dance Theatre) NeoIndigenA
Santee Smith (Kaha:wi Dance Theatre) ReQuickening & Globe and Mail Article about ReQuickening

CODE Resources

Financial Literacy and Trade: Origins and Impact / La littératie financière et le commerce : les origines et les impactes – J/I Drama – Public
A Question of Loyalty – Grade 7 Drama – Public
If Water Could Talk – Senior Dance – Members Only
Not My Girl – A Process Drama – Intermediate Drama – Members Only
Re-imaging our relationships to space/place/land – Grade 11 Dance – Members Only

Ecocide

Picture Books for Entry Points

With Our Orange Hearts by Phyllis Webstad

Shi-shi-etko by Nicola E. Campbell

Be a Good Ancestor

When selecting books related to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, CODE often defers to the expertise of Dr. Debbie Reese of Nambé Pueblo and Dr. Jean Mendoza of the American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) which provides critical analysis of Indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books. Teachers should also consult with their school board's Indigenous Education team for resources that are local.